STAFF and volunteers of Mindline Somerset, the mental health helpline for Somerset residents, are preparing to keep the service open during the Christmas and New Year period.

The helpline, in existence 14 years, has been a lifeline for many of the 5,000 callers this year.

Helpline co-project leader Tessa Mason said: “We believe that nobody should have to face a mental health problem alone. This time of year is a challenging time for those in the best of health but particularly difficult for some who are anxious or distressed.

“Our helpline is provided by a 40-strong dedicated volunteer team, many of whom have or have lived with poor mental well-being, and they are there to listen and support our callers. One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. We are here for everyone but we are more than aware of the growing number of young people – and in particular men – who, generally speaking, find it harder to talk about their feelings than women.”

The helpline is available throughout the year on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8-11pm.

The Mindline Somerset number is 01823 276892 – alternatively email mindline@

mindtws.org.uk