Telephone counselling service is available today from Connect, Samaritans and Pieta

Telephone counselling and support service will be available through Connect, Samaritans and Pieta today Christmas Day and every day.

Connect is a free, confidential and professional telephone-based counselling and support service for adults who were abused in childhood and will open from 6-10pm each evening. People can call Connect for free at 1800 477 477. Callers will get to speak with a trained counsellor who can listen and provide professional counselling and support.

Samaritans will have 300 volunteers to speak to people today and over the festive season on freephone 116 123. You can also chat online or email - details on https://www.samaritans.org/

Pieta will be available 24/7 for anyone having suicidal thoughts over Christmas, you can call 1800 247 257 or text HELP to 51444