The findings come with a reminder that volunteers from the charity’s 201 branches will be available round the clock over the festive period, for anyone who needs to talk.

The online survey found that of the male respondents:

• Almost half (48%) feel sad or depressed at Christmas time
• 45% of men feel that others expect them to be happy at Christmas when they are not
• More than a third (37%) of men admitted to feeling lonely at Christmas
• 30% of men felt stressed or anxious at Christmas time

With men in the UK three times more likely than women to take their own lives**, the charity is encouraging them to seek help and consider calling Samaritans if things are getting to them over the festive period. Men are also much less likely than women to have a positive view of counselling or therapy, and when they do use these services, it is at the point of crisis***.

Last year, Samaritans received around 244,000**** calls during the Christmas period from people in the UK and ROI, and relies on kind donations from the public to keep its helpline open every single day of the year.

Catherine Johnstone, Chief Executive, said: “Many of our male callers have told us that Christmas is a tough time for them, which is why our inspirational volunteers will be available round the clock, for anyone who is struggling to cope, including on Christmas day.”

As a charity, Samaritans relies on the remarkable dedication of its volunteers, as well as kind donations from the public. Supporters can help Samaritans answer every phone call over Christmas by donating just £4 – www.samaritans.org/donate.

Why do people call Samaritans? – Samaritans