Give now and save a life

Monday 02 December 2002 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

We all aspire to the idea of peace and goodwill and jollity. But for a lot of people Christmas is a less than happy time, made worse by the fact that others around us seem to be enjoying themselves Many can feel depressed and suicidal, like Elizabeth Treasure. The festive season may also accentuate feelings of loneliness, or bring to a head problems in marriages or relationships. And it's not just Christmas itself. The long holiday, when many normal aspects of life are interrupted, can bring feelings of desolation, disappointment and isolation.

We all aspire to the idea of peace and goodwill and jollity. But for a lot of people Christmas is a less than happy time, made worse by the fact that others around us seem to be enjoying themselves Many can feel depressed and suicidal, like Elizabeth Treasure. The festive season may also accentuate feelings of loneliness, or bring to a head problems in marriages or relationships. And it's not just Christmas itself. The long holiday, when many normal aspects of life are interrupted, can bring feelings of desolation, disappointment and isolation.

This is where SANELINE provides a vital lifeline as the only national out-of-hours mental health helpline open over the Christmas period and throughout the year. Staffed by trained volunteers, it provides emotional support, crisis care and practical information for those with problems and their families. It also has a unique "Caller Care" service which calls back people who are known to be alone or distressed.

But such a dedicated approach costs money. We are asking you to give generously to support the 220 volunteers who take 1,000 calls a week. And your generosity will make a big difference. SANELINE is there not just for Christmas but throughout the year.

* £20 could save a life. It will pay the full costs of dealing with a call. A tenth of callers are suicidal.

* £100 will enable the "Caller Care" team to make vital return calls for a week.

* £250 will enable more than 100 people to call from anywhere for the price of a local call.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in