'It's nice to be there at Christmas': Waterford siblings to volunteer on Christmas day for Samaritans

"It's nice to be there at Christmas when people need you and when they do not have anyone else to chat to. "

Samaritans volunteers Bernie Keane and her brother Thomas Carbery who will be on duty together in the Waterford branch on Christmas night. Picture:John Power

A brother and sister from Co Waterford are volunteering this year on Christmas Day with the Samaritans helpline as the charity reports separation from family and friends is one of the biggest concerns facing callers over the festive period. 

Volunteers on the 24-hour helpline have said almost a third of callers are feeling concerned about their wellbeing over Christmas, with most of those worried about being separated from family and loved ones, and coping with being lonely during Christmas or having to spend Christmas alone.