Annual survey shows people in the South West worried most about money

Calls to Samaritans’ helpline about financial worries have doubled in the three years since the onset of the financial crisis. One in five people contacting the charity this year talked about job concerns, housing problems, debt and other financial pressures, doubling from one in ten calls in 2008*.

These issues are reflected in Samaritans’ annual survey of the nation’s worries, which reveals that 58 per cent of people in the South West fear they won’t have enough money to live comfortably in the coming year. A third of people (33%) are concerned about losing their job or having difficulty finding work.

Sylvie, Branch Director of Bath Samaritans, said: “Samaritans receives over 2.5 million calls a year.  Our volunteers in Bath offer support to people in Bath and the surrounding areas of Somerset and Wiltshire, responding to 40,000 contacts each year.  Since the onset of the financial crisis in 2008, the number of people calling us about their money worries has doubled. If you’re struggling to cope with the challenges you’re facing in these difficult times, we’d encourage you to get in touch with Samaritans. Our service runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available throughout the holiday period.”

Bath Samaritans always needs volunteers who can give some time to support people in distress.  To find out more visit www.bathsamaritans.org 'support us' pages or use this contact form.