THE Samaritans has launched its annual campaign to raise awareness of its round-the-clock emotional support services.

Talk To Us encourages people seeking for help to get in touch with volunteers.

Swindon and District Samaritans has continued to provide emotional support throughout the pandemic.

The town branch has seen an increase of 17 per cent in the number of calls and emails this year.

Since lockdown in March, volunteers suggest that one in three callers talk about coronavirus with many feeling more anxious and distressed than before the pandemic.

Surveys which gathered over 3,000 responses found the most common concerns related to coronavirus are around loneliness, isolation, mental health and illness, family, finances and unemployment.

Volunteer branch director at Swindon and District Samaritans Susie Higgs said: “Our volunteers have been working day and night to be there for anyone who is struggling in these uncertain and challenging times.

“Lockdown restrictions have had a huge impact on everyday life for many people, as we’ve been hearing over the past few months, and our volunteers have been a much-needed source of support for those whose networks haven’t been available during the pandemic.

“Our outreach work and fundraising activity remains on hold across the country until further notice, but we hope that the public can continue to support us in any way they can, to ensure that our volunteers can continue to be there for anyone struggling to cope.”

Greenbridge roundabout in Swindon is, once again, being lit up in Samaritans green on Friday to support the campaign.

Councillor Maureen Penny, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Maintenance and Waste Services, said: “We are delighted we have been able to support Swindon and District Samaritans by illuminating the Greenbridge roundabout lights in support of the Talk to Us campaign. I must say a special thank you to our electrical contractors Affleck for making it happen.

“The support that the Samaritans volunteers provide has never been more important with so many people living in isolation in recent months. So, if you are feeling lonely and need someone to talk to, please pick up the phone.”

Samaritans is also marking 24/7 across the UK and Ireland as one of the most important day in the organisation’s charity’s calendar which it uses to help spread the message that volunteers are available to listen to anyone who is struggling –day or night, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, or email jo@samaritans.org.

For more information on how to get involved visit www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/talk-us/ or join in the conversation on social media using #TalkToUs.