September and October can be a difficult time for many people.

It can be a time of change for parents. Perhaps a first child is starting school and separation is difficult. Possibly the youngest child is starting school and heralding a return to work for a parent or maybe it is hard for parents to adjust to the extra freedom. There might be worries about children heading off to university for the first time or perhaps the home seems strangely empty as the last child heads off to begin a new life.

Many children will find themselves needing to form new friendship groups as they start secondary school or move on to the "sixth form".

For many young adults, this time of year means new found freedoms and possibly pressures as they move away from home to begin their higher education or enter the world of employment. Possibly school days have ended but job prospects are bleak and the days seem long.

So if are struggling to cope with any of the above issues then please get in touch with us. If you know a friend who is finding it hard to talk about their problems please let them know about the support we offer.

Whatever your worries, when you contact Samaritans you will be given the time to share your thoughts and anxieties with a caring volunteer in total confidence. You will be accepted as the person you are and you will not be judged or patronised.

Our service is available day and night throughout the year. You can contact us by phone, text or email. Additionally you can call in and talk to a volunteer in a private, comfortable room in Victoria House, Back Albert Place between 8am and 10pm.

Because it helps to talk

                                                       ..... we're here to listen.