Telephone helplines expect call volumes to climb this Christmas

The organisation is a network of 38 different helplines all providing crisis support, and counselling and advice services to people when they need it.

It says that Christmas is always a challenging time of year for people, not least those trying to manage addiction, affected by poor mental health family or relationship issues, experiencing debt or coming to terms with a recent loss, but this Christmas, with the cost-of-living crisis adding to people’s stress, helpline services are preparing for an influx of calls.

Clodagh Crowe, chair at Helplines NI and head of Operations and Strategic Development at Rural Support said: “Covid kickstarted an increased demand for helplines across Northern Ireland, and now as the cost-of-living crisis leaves families and individuals feeling more vulnerable, we expect this Christmas will be a particularly busy one for our members.

"It’s really important that people who are struggling get the support they need when they need it, and often a telephone service is an invaluable first port of call, so we are truly grateful for the dedication of staff and volunteers who keep helpline services operating over the Christmas period.

“Telephone helplines are a vital part of Northern Ireland’s support services infrastructure. For instance, more than 500,000 calls were made to our 38 members in 2020 including Samaritans, Advice NI, Lifeline and Parenting NI among others.

"I strongly encourage anyone who needs support to visit the Helplines NI platform so they can identify the various support services available.”

All the organisations that are part of the Helplines NI network provide free and confidential support or advice via telephone, email, text, and in some cases live webchat, to people when they are vulnerable.

Claire O’Prey, vice-chair at Helplines NI and team leader at Lifeline said: “When you visit the Helplines NI platform you will be able to connect discreetly with the service best suited to your circumstance, and a person that is not only understanding of your situation, but also qualified to help.”

Muriel Bailey, director for Family Support Services from Parenting NI, a Helplines NI member said: "This Christmas, with more people than ever before in need of support, Helplines NI is an excellent first port of call for people.

"It’s essentially a one-stop-shop allowing people to explore and consider different services before selecting the one they feel is right for them. People either make contact with the service they need first time, or reach a service that can direct them where they need to go, ultimately giving more people the support they need in a quicker time – which is absolutely crucial in helping people who need support.”

*To find out more visit helplinesni.com