CALLS for help from the suicidal are soaring in South Cheshire.

More than 10,000 people called the Samaritans in Crewe during 2004 - and now the support service is bracing itself for an influx of calls from people suffering loneliness and depression at Christmas.

Although their volunteer numbers are falling the Samaritans say there will always be someone on the end of the line to listen.

A Crewe-based spokeswoman said: 'Christmas and new year is our busiest time of the year when feelings of isolation and despair are heightened for those who are not lucky enough to have the companionship of family and friends.

'Two years ago we had 100 people manning the lines at Crewe. Now we are down to 60 but a call will never go unanswered.

'If it can't be dealt with at Crewe it will be routed to another centre where trained Samaritans can provide the shoulder needed.'

The Samaritan, who gives her name as 'Katie', has a full-time day job but puts in four duties a month as a volunteer.

She said: 'Not every caller is suicidal. Perhaps they have just suffered the breakdown of a relationship and need to talk.

'Relationships cover those between all kinds of people and groups, including gay and straight partnerships, foster carers and children and step-families.

'There is a worrying trend of increased suicide among young people, especially young men. They do tend to bottle things up more than women who are more inclined to talk over problems with friends.

'Teenagers may also suffer bullying at school or be under enormous pressure to succeed at exams.'

The Samaritans, based in Hall O'Shaw Street in Crewe, which is their South Cheshire headquarters, face an increased workload through people calling into the branch or sending e-mails seeking help.

Recruits attend a preparation course before undertaking a period of supervised shifts and they are never asked to cope alone.

Katie added: 'I think there are a lot of good-hearted people out there in the Crewe area who would make excellent Samaritans. With more couples working full-time we appreciate it is hard to juggle home commitments. The four duties include an overnight shift, from 10pm-7am, but our rota can be flexible.'

Despite advances in telephone technology, contact with Samaritans is strictly confidential.

Anyone who needs to speak to a Samaritan can call 0845 909090.

Anyone who is a good listener and would like to become a Samaritan is asked to call the Crewe branch for details on 01270 216666.