Calls to Samaritans rise during early hours

More desperate people are reaching out for help in the early hours, a report being published today will reveal.

Samaritans Ireland, which provides 24-hour emotional help to people, said it received more calls from 12 midnight to 6am than at any other time of the day over the past year.

According to its 2013 report, 37% of calls to the Samaritans’ helpline took place during these hours.

Out-of-hours calls to the Samaritans were up 9% on last year and accounted for 68% of all calls to the service. The busiest times of the week and the type of the calls received will be outlined in the annual impact report.

“Calls to our service are lasting longer and are more intense in their nature, reflecting the complexity of many people’s lives,” said executive director Catherine Brogan.

Samaritans Ireland provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support to people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

Mental Health Minister Kathleen Lynch is expected to attend the launch.

www.samaritans.ie