One in eight calls to Samaritans due to recession

ONE in eight calls to the Samaritans is now due to the effects of the recession, with some people simply ringing up to sob down the phone line.

Launching its first ever ‘impact report’ for Ireland, the Samaritans said there was a greater need than ever for more resources in the area of mental health, and also a need for more cohesion between support services.

Minister with responsibility for mental health strategy, John Moloney, said he intended to bring groups from around the country together in January to see how limited funding can be best used to help those most in need.