SAMARITANS volunteers are dealing with a “tremendous” increase in calls since the start of the credit crunch.

And bosses are now planning to introduce a new text message service to reach out to younger people who may want to contact the service.

Michael Gerrard a deputy director of the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Samaritans, said more than 2,250 people are calling the centre in New Park Street, Blackburn, every month - a rise of 10 per cent from last year.

There has also been a rise of 20 per cent in the number of emails received, up to 3,600 in the past 12 months.

Mr Gerrard said financial concerns have led to an increase in people thinking of suicide.

He said fear of redundancies brings emotional problems, family problems and stress.

“There has been a tremendous increase in the number of calls and an increase in the amount of people expressing suicidal thoughts.

“It affects everyone, young and old and from all walks of life.

“There tends to be more men calling than women but that is not unusual because often men find it difficult to find someone to talk to.”

A new text message system is to be introduced in the summer, Mr Gerrard said.

He said the system, which has been used in other parts of the country, would allow people to share their feelings anonymously in a way that is most convenient for them.

Earlier this week Michael Singleton, coroner for Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, said he has not experienced additional cases of suicides in recent months.

The charity is also looking for more volunteers to deal with the increase in demand.

Currently 89 staff monitor the phone lines and emails, working a weekly day shift and a monthly night shift, often of between three and five hours.

Prospective volunteers would receive extensive training.

For more information call the Blackburn branch on 01254 662424 or visit www.blackburnsamaritans.org.uk.