Abuse support helpline extends opening hours for holiday period

Connect - the free confidential telephone-based counselling and support service - is to extend its opening hours over Christmas.

It will remain open every evening until 10pm until January 1.

The service provides support for adults who were abused in childhood.

People can call Connect for free at 1800 477 477. Callers will be able to speak to a professionally trained counsellor.

Connect says that Christmas is an emotional time for many and the demand for counselling increases.