02:57AM, Monday 16 December 2013
The Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead branch of the Samaritans is based at Uxbridge Road, Slough.
Among those on duty will be 'Trudi' - the new branch director who took over in October. She has been a Samaritan for four years.
'Trudi' - that's her Samaritan name, said: "When I started volunteering in 2009 I wanted to 'give something back'. I have a wonderful family and friends but I’ve always been aware of the pressures on people who might not be able to share problems with others.“This time of year can increase feelings of loneliness, people may be in 'strained' family situations, may have overspent, they might have all the usual issues plus many more. For most of the shift, I am very busy answering calls, emails and texts and it is a privilege to be there for people."
Stephen Hoddell, the Samaritans' chairman, said: “When many other services shut down for the holidays, our volunteers continue to be available answering calls round the clock. Thank you to every single person who is spending Christmas volunteering, you are inspirational. ”
Call 08457 90 90 90 to reach the Samaritans.
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