THE Samaritans telephone help-line is making a plea for new volunteers to help it avoid a staffing crisis.

The Blackburn branch, which takes around 20,000 calls a year, is running short of volunteers to man the phones.

Annette Bateman, director of The Samaritans of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, said: "Many branches are now unable to man their branches on a 24-hour basis.

"The local branches in Blackburn and Nelson are still managing to be open 24 hours a day but with some difficulty. It is a struggle."

She said new technology had meant they could help other branches by taking some of their calls but that meant they were busier than ever.

"We are providing a vital service to people in the community who might have reached the point where they cannot cope any more. "We encourage people to talk about their feelings and are particularly concerned about people who are feeling suicidal."

The organisation is holding two "Discovery Meetings" for anyone interested in finding out more about what being a Samaritan involves.

People attending the meetings will not be put under any pressure to make a commitment to the organisation.

The work of The Samaritans will be explained and there will be the opportunity to ask questions.

Annette said if someone did decide to become a Samaritan, they could be assured of support from the rest of the team.

"It is a rewarding job and we would encourage anyone who is thinking of doing some voluntary work to consider us," she said.

The meetings will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 10am, and Thursday, March 19, at 8pm, at The Samaritans, 105 New Park Street, Blackburn.

The Blackburn branch can be contacted on 01254 662424, and the Nelson branch on 01282 694929.

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