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 | | Tuesday, 27 November, 2001, 09:09 GMT Charity appeals to despairing youth  The charity offers emotional support The Samaritans are expecting the number of calls to their helplines to increase by up to 15% over the festive season. The charity, which offers 24-hour confidential emotional support, is gearing up for what is traditionally its busiest time of the year. In a pre-Christmas message, the charity has urged people in need or who are despairing or suicidal to contact them.
Alan Hymns, director of the group's Belfast branch, said that Christmas can be the time when despairing young people who feel left out of the party scene can act on their suicidal thoughts. "All the Samaritans ask is that they take a few minutes to make a phone call and tell us how they are feeling," he said. "Talking is good - it may make them realise that they do have another option." He said Christmas was a sentimental time when pain could be felt more deeply. Mr Hymns also said job losses and insecurity in the aftermath of the 11 September attacks had resulted in financial pressures for many families. The Samaritans which recently celebrated it 40th anniversary in Northern Ireland, has eight branches throughout the province. The Samaritans national helpline number is 08457 90 90 90. | |
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