Volunteers in Scotland handled almost a quarter of a million calls for help last year

Samaritans’ volunteers in Scotland responded to more than 230,000 calls for help last year.

Figures released today (Monday), to coincide with the start of Volunteers’ Week, show that 1,056 volunteers responded to 236,637 requests for support from people struggling to cope.

Across the UK, the suicide prevention charity received 5.3 million calls for help in 2014, an increase of more than 100,000.

Samaritans’ trustee for Scotland, Keith Walker, said the charity’s volunteers make an invaluable contribution to the lives of people in their communities.

“These figures show a continuing need for our services,” he said.

Our research shows that for almost everyone who contacts us, it’s the human interaction that’s important - getting a response from a real person

“I want to thank everyone who gives their time and expertise so that we can be there round the clock, every single day of the year, to help people find a way through their problems.

“Our research shows that for almost everyone who contacts us, it’s the human interaction that’s important - getting a response from a real person.”

As well as answering calls, volunteers respond to emails and texts and offer emotional support face to face to anyone that contacts them.

However, as well as frontline volunteers it also has volunteers who specialise in fundraising, marketing, helping with admin or IT at its 201 branches across the UK and Ireland.

Volunteers’ Week runs from June 1-7. If you would like to become involved at Samaritans email [email protected] for more information.