Bradford’s branch of helpline service The Samaritans is expecting more than 3,000 calls from lonely or suicidal people during the festive period.

The charity says the number of suicides in the UK has risen sharply since the recession began with almost 6,000 people, including up to 35 in Bradford, taking their own lives a year.

Steve, 51, who started volunteering at the branch almost two years ago, said: “Christmas heightens loneliness and we get more calls then. But there are people who withdraw inside themselves. They think no-one wants to hear from somebody who is down at Christmas.

“That’s where Samaritans comes in. We deal with a wide range of emotions, not just suicide, and we offer complete confidentiality. Local lives can be saved – 25 to 35 people take their own lives in Bradford each year – if more people are willing to help.”

To mark its 50th anniversary next year the branch is appealing for more volunteers to man its 24/7 helpline, which receives hundreds of calls each week.

Volunteers, who must be aged 18 or above, attend training sessions before being placed on probation for about six months. They usually volunteer about three hours per week, including a late session once a month.

Steve added: “Increasing numbers of younger people are crying out for help. Problems which face the young include family difficulties, personal and sexual worries, peer pressure and school and exam fears.

“Loneliness is a big problem for the elderly, particularly widowers. People come to us because we have the time to listen and they want to talk. We offer space and time and don’t just hang up.”

Information sessions lasting an hour will be run on Saturday, January 8, at 11am, Saturday, January 15, at 11am and on Wednesday, January 19, at 7pm.

For more information contact the branch at 6 Mornington Villas, Manningham Lane, Bradford BD8 7HB or call (01274) 547547.