The Halifax and Calderdale branch is keen to recruit more volunteers to help provide support and a listening ear to those worried about jobs and money. Volunteer John, of Brighouse, who is branch chairman, said: "We have seen a rise in calls due to the economic crisis. Financial worries put tremendous pressure on families and can often make matters worse if relationships are already under strain.

"It is a difficult time for a lot of people and any existing problems are exacerbated. Losing a job can have an enormous impact on someone's self-esteem and confidence. "

The branch has 80 volunteers and well over 80 duties per week. Each duty is either three hours or six hours overnight and there are always two volunteers on duty at the same time.

The Samaritans do not offer advice but often the simple act of listening to someone in trouble talking through their problems can be enough to ease the pressure for callers.

"If it is needed we will ring people back two or three days after their first call and see how they are coping. Just talking through their problems helps a lot of people get a clearer idea of what their options are, it gives them space to clear things in their mind."

For John the confidential aspect of the Samaritans' work is a crucial element in its success in offering support. "Even people with families and friends can find it hard to ask those close to them for advice. The fact that they can speak to someone in confidence who will not judge them but will listen with empathy makes the difference."

There is often a rise in calls to the Samaritans at night. Branch director Hilary said: "The Samaritans are the only helpline that does not shut down at night or at weekends, we are there 24/7. Worries and fears always seem to be worse in the middle of the night when people can't sleep and we need to be there for them. The hours from 10pm to 3am can be very busy for the Samaritans."

Hilary said the rewards for volunteers were the fact of "being there when we were needed and might have been able to help."

The Halifax and Calderdale branch recently launched an appeal for 'night owls', volunteers prepared to be on duty during the hours of darkness. Volunteers receive a rigorous and structured course of training to prepare them for the task ahead and there is a mentoring system in place to help new volunteers through their first duties.

John said: "Obviously you don't know what sort of call you're going to get when you pick up the phone and you have to be prepared for everything. That's why training is so important as well as the support of other volunteers."

The branch is funded locally and is supported by grants and donations as well as the proceeds from its charity shop in Elland. The branch also has volunteers who go into Armley Jail in Leeds as part of its outreach work.

http://www.samaritans.org/

(Full story in the Brighouse Echo March 12th 2009)