Suicide prevention charity says support is available throughout the holiday in Oxfordshire
A charity is urging people who are struggling with their mental health this Christmas to turn to them for support
People in Oxfordshire are being urged to seek support if they're struggling with their mental health over the holiday.
Samaritans is a charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide.
Through their helpline, Samaritans have people available every day of the year to talk to anyone who might need some support or a friendly voice.
Volunteer and branch director for the charity in Luton, Larry Redmond, said: "In every second of the year, a Samaritan volunteer was taking a call from someone."
"When they need to reach out, there will be a Samaritan volunteer there to talk to them and give them a safe space."
"...the reason why it might be difficult for individuals will be unique those people, it could be anything from loneliness, family interactions, just the difficulty of either seeing or being with people."
The festive period can be particularly difficult for people who experience loneliness, have difficult relationships with family, who may not have any family at all, or who may struggle with their mental health.
Added to that are traumatic past experiences which may have happened around this time of year for which the anniversary will inevitably resurface.
Mr Redmond said: "I think the reason why it might be difficult for individuals will be unique those people, it could be anything from loneliness, family interactions, just the difficulty of either seeing or being with people."
"One of our values is human contact, by being there when other services aren't we provide that to individuals."
With the help of local branches, Samaritans is able to provide localised support for those in need, every day of the year.
"Without doubt, the need for having people on our telephone lines to help others was there 70 years ago when we were set up and it's still true today, and I suspect will be true for a considerable period of time", added Mr Redmond.
If you need support or would like to find out more information, you can visit the Samaritans website.