NEW figures reveal that 45 kind-hearted mid Cheshire people answered more than 23,600 calls for help in 2014.

The 45 listening ears were Samaritans volunteers from the mid Cheshire branch, based in Manchester Road, in Northwich.

They were among 21,007 volunteers who responded to more than five million calls across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

These figures have been released to coincide with Volunteers' Week, a national initiative that runs from June 1 to 7.

Diana, director at Mid Cheshire Samaritans, said: "I’m so grateful to all of our volunteers at Northwich.

"I want to thank them all for their commitment and hard work.

"It’s great to see how they support people in ways that work well for our callers, on the phone, via email or visiting us in branch.

"We know that people who are struggling benefit from having a real person to connect with, someone who is trained to listen to them.

"Samaritans wouldn’t exist without the dedication of our volunteers.

"As well as listening on the helpline, there are lots of ways people can get involved with Samaritans, whether it’s fundraising, marketing, helping with admin or IT, or offering other valuable skills. "We are always looking for new volunteers, so get in touch."

Samaritans’ volunteers who dedicate time every week to provide a safe space for anyone struggling to cope with whatever life has thrown at them.

Volunteers from mid Cheshire are also involved in outreach work, including providing support to national partner organisations, GP practices, NHS, and a diverse range of charities.

Peter, a Samaritan at Northwich for more than nine years, said he was attracted to Samaritans because of an opportunity to change a life.

"I didn’t know that my life would be the one which was to change in such a positive and meaningful way," he said.

"The training was tough, emotionally demanding, but truly liberating for me.

"Old attitudes and pre-conceptions were dispelled to be replaced by a new sense of equality and fairness.

"I loved the confidential nature of our service which remains at the core of everything we do.

"The support for volunteers within our branch is magnificent, very effective, very caring and very human. Just what we try to do for all our callers."

For more information about volunteering for the Samaritans ring 08705 627282 or email volunteering@samaritans.org