THE Samaritans are expecting to be extra busy this New Year as the pressure on people to enjoy themselves reaches fever pitch at the dawn of a new century.

A team of 10 will be manning the phones in Bolton round the clock.

Last year the Samaritans took nearly 1,000 calls during December, and they anticipate more this New Year.

Nancy, director of the Bark Street East branch in Bolton town centre, said: "We always get more calls during the festive season, but this year we do expect to be extra busy as the Millennium approaches.

"More than in past years - because this time we have a new century on the horizon - it will be a time when people evaluate their lives. And some people will look at the future without very much hope."

She added: "For some people it will be the first time on their own following a bereavement or the break up of a relationship.

"It's a time when people can feel very lonely. In the middle of the night they are awake, feeling like the rest of the world is sleeping happily, and they are up thinking about their problems."

Last year Bolton Samaritans dealt with 17,157 calls, its busiest year. Each volunteer dealt with an average 235 calls, and more were from men than women.

The Samaritans are particularly concerned about the alarming rise of suicides amongst young men nationally.

Latest figures show that more than 600 men, aged 15 to 44, commit suicide each year. And that figure is rising. "The theme the Samaritans wants to take into the next century is that 'Youth Matters'," said Nancy.

Tripled

"The suicide rate amongst young people is high and has been increasing for the past 10 to 15 years. It's estimated that nearly 19,000 young people each year attempt to take their own lives. And the suicide attempts by young men has tripled over the last decade."

As usual the Bolton phones will be monitored around the clock by unpaid, trained volunteers. And callers are welcome at the base between 9.30am and 9pm.

Nancy stressed that the Samaritans are not just there for those on the brink of suicide. Someone is always available to listen to anyone's worries.

Anyone who needs to talk can contact the Bolton Samaritans on Bolton 521200 or 0345 909090.

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