Cheshire Police and Chester and District Samaritans have teamed up to help people across Chester and Ellesmere Port who may need to talk.

Recognising that Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year they are working together to let people know about the Samaritans.

The new initiative will see police officers briefed about the Samaritans.

They will also carry contact details so they can encourage people who may need to talk to get in touch with the Samaritan listening service.

Chester and District Samaritan director Jane Howarth said: “We want as many people as possible to know that the Samaritans are there to listen to people who need to talk.

“Working with our local police will enable us to reach more people who may need to talk things through.”

Ch Insp Alan Fairclough added: “Offering these referrals to the Samaritans will provide collaborative support to those vulnerable people who need some support, contact and someone to talk to over Christmas.”

Samaritans provide a 24/7 listening service offering people a space to talk about what is bothering them.

They point to evidence which shows that talking about feelings helps people to cope with life.

People can phone, email, write or call in. The Chester branch telephone number is 01244 377 999 or people can FREECALL 116 123.

Their e mail is jo@samaritans.org and people can also visit Chester Samaritans in person, usually between 10am and 6pm daily, at 36 Upper Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 4EF.

To find details of other branches or to check opening times visit www.samaritans.org/branches

Chester and District Samaritans, which is a charity, provides a daily listening service and is part of the national 24/7 Samaritan service.

Staffed entirely by volunteers the branch also undertakes work on emotional health in schools, provides support to the rail industry as part of the railway suicide prevention initiative and supports and trains prisoners through the Listener scheme at the new Berwyn Prison in Wrexham.

It costs approximately £80 per day to keep Chester & District Samaritans operating and all funds are raised by the branch through kind public donations.

Chester & District need at least 100 listening volunteers in order to provide the full service in Chester

Volunteers receive thorough initial and on-going training to support them in their role as a listener and there are other volunteer roles in the branch including outreach, publicity and fundraising.