WINTER can be a tough time for many, and this year could be especially so as households brace themselves for higher bills, but support is at hand as Dunfermline Samaritans’ new #BreaktheSilence campaign aims to remind the local community that they don’t need to struggle alone.

Samaritans’ new winter campaign #BreaktheSilence is encouraging people to open up about their struggles with mental health and suicidal feelings.

Every 90 minutes in the UK, someone dies by suicide, but talking saves lives.

The charity is asking people to donate to keep Samaritans here for people to talk to when they are ready to break their silence. Donating as little as £5 will help Samaritans’ volunteers answer a call for help from someone struggling this winter.

Visit samaritans.org/silence for more information on Samaritans Winter Appeal and to donate to Dunfermline Samaritans.

Volunteers from Dunfermline Samaritans will join more than 13,000 listening volunteers at Samaritans branches across the UK and Ireland to answer calls for help from people feeling overwhelmed this winter.

Keith Walker, director from Dunfermline Samaritans, said: “This time of year can be challenging for all sorts of reasons. Whether it's family problems, financial worries or grief for the loss of a loved one, the festive season can often magnify these pressures which might be especially hard this year, with many households facing the cost-of-living crisis.

“But we understand that difficult feelings can be felt at any season, which is why our volunteers are here day and night, 365 days a year to give people the space to explore feelings that perhaps they cannot share with anyone else.”

Last year, Samaritans volunteers responded to 244,254 calls in the UK and Ireland over the festive period. Volunteers from Samaritans of Dunfermline will be there round the clock to make sure that people who are struggling always have someone to turn to.

Samaritans’ volunteers are always here to listen and won’t judge or tell you what to do. Call free, day or night, on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org. Also, those contemplating volunteering with Samaritans of Dunfermline can find out more by visiting www.samaritans.org/dunfermline

Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill.