A volunteer from Samaritans in Lancaster has spoken about the importance of the service at Christmas.
Josie Oxley visited the Beyond Radio studio to spread the message that the Samaritans are there to listen to anyone at what can be a difficult time of the year.
"Christmas is a great time of year but not for everybody," said Josie, who works at the Samaritans call centre on Sun Street.
"Sometimes people find Christmas difficult, through financial or family problems.
"At Christmas, loneliness becomes a little more in focus.
"So it can be a busy time for the Samaritans. We can answer a lot of calls with people struggling with the season.
"I'd like to put out the message that we're there for you, whatever you're going through. We're there to listen to people."
LISTEN to Josie Oxley
At the Lancaster centre, Josie and her colleages take calls from all over the country.
There are around 100 volunteers on the books and the Samaritans are on the look-out for more.
They will hold an information day for new and prospective volunteers at St Thomas's Centre on Marton Street on January 10 from 1.30pm.
Josie herself said she finds being a Samaritan incredibly rewarding.
"I was looking for voluntary work which I thought would be really satisfying to me and be able to give back something to people out there," she said.
"I think it's a privilege to be able to answer the phone and help somebody.
"it's such a supportive organisation, we're always there for each other. You're highly valued and the training is excellent."
The Lancaster team will also be out and about on 'Brew Monday', January 19.
"January can be a tough time, the weather is often miserable, Christmas is over and there's not much to look forward to," said Josie.
"So we get out there in the community, give our tea bags and encourage people to have a brew."
If you need to call Samaritans, you can call them on 116 123, at any time. Calls are free and entirely confidential.
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