Samaritans desperate for new volunteers

VOLUNTEER numbers for the Samaritans are at their lowest since 1973, putting a huge strain on certain 24-hour services.

From a high of 2,500 volunteers in Ireland in 1989, the number has fallen to 1,700. Last year the emotional support charity had to deal with in excess of half a million calls to its telephone helpline.

Spokesperson Paul O'Hare said it was difficult to also respond to the 70,000-plus distress emails they receive.