A friendly ear at a stressful time . . .

This column appears in the Cardiff Post today.

It's certainly hard to avoid the fact that the Christmas season is upon us — there are lights, Christmas trees and white-bearded men in red suits everywhere.

And even though Christmas is a time of great happiness for many people, for many others, it is a time of great sadness. For various reasons, people end up feeling worried, anxious and full of despair.

It's a difficult time of year for many, made harder by the fact that everyone else may seem to be having a good time and may seem to have the perfect family and the perfect Christmas planned. Amid all the compulsory jollity, many people feel that they are not waving but drowning.

But, fortunately, help is at hand and such help can come in the form of the Samaritans. I found this out for myself a couple of weeks ago when I visited the Cardiff branch to see what help and comfort they offer — they have been doing so for 40 years now.

It was wonderful to talk to the volunteers there who offer a 24 hour service to people all year round, but who are particularly needed at this time of year. People who need someone to talk to can drop into the Samaritans at 75 Cowbridge Road East from 8am until 10pm, seven days a week, or ring (029) 20 344022 or 08457 90 90 90 twenty-four hours a day or e-mail.

And if you feel that you would like to volunteer yourself for the Samaritans, why not contact them on (029) 20 645642 to find out about the open day on 14 January 2007 from 2-4pm. Sometimes it's hard to admit that we need help, but if you feel that everything is too much for you, just contact the Samaritans for free, confidential help.

I wish all the readers of the Cardiff Post as happy a holiday season as possible.