CHRISTMAS can be a lonely and difficult time for some people, but the Samaritans are there to talk to.

Following a couple of distressing incidents in the South Hams that police from Kingsbridge attended, we are highlighting the life-saving work of Samaritans.

Samaritans is a charity, started in 1953, that provides someone to talk to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round. Whatever you say to a Samaritans volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.

They support everyone, and provide someone to talk to for anyone who needs it. You can call them at any time of day or night and they will listen to you and help you work through your feelings.

Their website states: ‘We won’t make decisions for you, and we’ll support the decisions you make.

‘You are the expert on your own life. Our advice or opinions are not important.

‘If you want specific advice, we may be able to give you contact details for organisations that specialise in helping with a problem you may have.

‘We won’t talk about ourselves, even if you ask us to. We’re there to give you time, space and support – you don’t need to ask how we are, or give us time in return.

‘We don’t impose any personal attitudes or beliefs on you. We’re not religious. The link between our name and any religious text is completely coincidental.’

You can call Samaritans, free, on 116 123, you can email [email protected], or visit their website: www.samaritans.org. You are not alone.