WORCESTER Samaritans are flagging up their round-the-clock helpline this week.

The city's branch received nearly 14,000 calls in the county last year. It is raising awareness of its 24-hour helpline service as part of Samaritans Week.

Worcester's 100-strong group of volunteers also serves the entire county.

Last year they made 500 personal visits to people in distress but to help maintain its 24-hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year service, the group is trying to recruit a further 20 volunteers.

"Our branch is always very busy and, of course, we have recently taken many additional calls as a result of the foot-and-mouth emergency," said branch director, Eric Rowland.

Listeners

"Potential volunteers must be good listeners and we offer excellent preparation training and on-going support.

"Being visible in the area helps to raise awareness of the confidential emotional support we offer and to raise much-needed funds.

"Nationally our service is run by around 19,500 volunteers, but we still need to raise money for local necessities like paying the phone bill, lighting and other overheads.

"We also need to promote the different ways in which people in distress can contact us."

Worcester Samaritans can be contacted on 01905 21121 or for personal visits at 9, Sansome Place, Worcester, between 9am and 10pm each day.