The national Christian telephone helpline says a wave of debt, alcohol and relationship-related issues will keep volunteers busier than usual.
Director, Jonathan Clark said: “If you are actually suffering from a depression, and you then see everyone else around you being jolly and having a great time, whether or not, if you perceive they are, that will make you feel even worse.”
Demand for the Premier Lifeline during Christmas has increased dramatically since 2014 when 2,761 calls were received between Christmas Eve and 2nd January.
Volunteers are expecting up to 4,700 during the same period this year, which is more than the 4,298 calls they recieved during the time frame last year.
One Premier Lifeline volunteer, who we’re calling Vanessa, said: “It can be challenging, especially for those who don’t have family or are on their own.
“They just ring up for someone to talk to and someone to listen to them as well; that’s why we’re here.
“Christmas time is a time of giving, so that’s the time when we should go to those in need; that’s why it just feels good that I’m able to use my gift and give to others.”
Volunteers received 430 calls every day between 24th December 2016 and 2nd January 2017 – a figure significantly higher than the daily average during the year of 238.
It is expected a team of more than 100 volunteers – working on a rota basis – will see the quantity of calls this Christmas rise compared to last…
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