MORE than 10,000 people at their lowest ebb called the Samaritans on Christmas Day last year.

This time round the Swindon branch of the charity is teaming up with a local mental health group during the festive period to highlight mental wellbeing and make sure people know about the support available in Swindon.

Volunteer director Darren Tee said: “Problems do not stop just because it’s Christmas – last year Samaritans answered 10,652 calls across the UK on Christmas Day.

“We will be listening again this year so anyone in despair knows they are not alone.”

The Samaritans have joined Men’s Mental Health to promote listening services for those feeling lonely or struggling financially over Christmas.

Co-founder Charlie Paradise said: “There are a range of great services in Swindon which we promote on our website, and a majority of these are open to all.

“This might be a really crucial time to talk as the pressure of life and the festive period can become overwhelming. Local men have told us that sometimes they find talking difficult as there is still so much stigma around men opening up.

“But talking does help and we hope this partnership will help more people.”

The group encourages men who need support to call CALM, as the charity runs a free confidential phone line just for them.

“We want to encourage everyone to look after their mental health this Christmas,” Charlie said.

“We always wanted to get together with the Samaritans. It is because we believe in the same things and we both wanted to get the message out there.”

The Samaritans offer a free service open every day of the year. The service is anonymous and gives a listening ear for anyone going through a difficult time, without pressure or judgement.

There are several steps Samaritans and MMH are recommending to help manage mental health during the winter months, such as making the most of natural light, exercising when it is possible and setting time aside to rest and relax.

Both groups will increase their social presence over the next couple of weeks to spread the message and make sure people are aware of the support available in Swindon.

And Samaritans are still looking for extra volunteers to make sure vulnerable people have someone to talk to over Christmas and New Year.

For further information call 01793 512490.

People seeking help with their mental health can email jo@samaritans.org or call 116 123 – even from a mobile without credit. This number will not show up on a phone bill.

To find more services in Swindon visit www.mmhswindon.co.uk.