CHRISTMAS is always a time when people think about giving - but one local charity wants people to consider giving their time, instead of a traditional gift.

The Exeter, Mid and East Devon Samaritans branch is hoping people who are interested in helping the charity will attend an Open Evening to see behind the scenes and talk with existing volunteers.

Each year the local branch receives more than 40,000 contacts from members of the public who are distressed or despairing - a much larger figure than many expect.

The large majority are telephone calls but the branch also receives thousands of SMS texts and emails, and an increasing number of face-to-face contacts at the local Samaritans office in central Exeter.

“Christmas is a busy time for Samaritans. Many people are lonely, miss their families or feel unwanted. But it’s also a time when those who are perhaps more fortunate consider ‘giving something back’ to society”, says branch director Helen Crossfield.

“We operate only with volunteers - we have no paid staff. There are many ways that new volunteers can help including responding to contacts from the public, or fund-raising for the charity, or helping with day-to-day running of the branch” she says.

The next Open Evening when would-be volunteers can find out more is on Tuesday, January 11, beginning at 7pm, at 10 Richmond Road, Exeter, EX4 4JA.

“People can just drop in or get in touch with us beforehand by calling 01392 496649 or emailing us at: [email protected]”, explains Helen.

The local branch website is: www.samaritans.org/exeter and a frequently updated "Twitter" feed (@ExeSamaritans) show more of how the organisation works.

Alan Quick