The Leatherhead branch of Samaritans is appealing for more volunteers to add to its hard-working team who answered 36,574 calls for help last year.

Last year there were 96 Samaritans volunteers at the Leatherhead branch according to the latest figures from the national helpline charity, which have been released to coincide with Volunteers’ Week, which is running until June 7.

The branch, based in Church Road, Leatherhead, is encouraging people to step forward as volunteers, and will have a stand at the Ashtead Village Day on June 8 where people can find out more. 

It will also be holding an information day on June 22 at the Leatherhead Institute, from 2.30pm to 4pm.

Helen Morrison, branch director of Leatherhead Samaritans, said: "Without our dedicated volunteers we wouldn’t be here for people struggling to cope.

"Volunteers from Leatherhead Samaritans reach out to the local community in schools, prisons, and in doctors surgeries.

"It’s clear from the call figures, that 60 years after Samaritans was founded, people need us as much as they ever did."

For more information about volunteering at Leatherhead Samaritans call 07913 552271 or email leatherheadsamspv@hotmail.co.uk.