Samaritans volunteers in Ireland have answered almost three million calls in the last five years.

An analysis of contacts made with the helpline from March 2014 to March 2019 has shown several patterns.

It found 2.9 million calls were answered by volunteers, while 110,000 individual callers made contact.

Some 376,500 listening hours were also given on the phone.

The charity's busiest days were Saturday June 27th 2015, with 2,334 calls, Monday October 5th 2015 at 2,317 calls, Friday January 19th 2018 with 2,292 calls and Tuesday August 8th 2017 at 2,266 calls.

Its busiest time of day was 6.00pm to midnight, which handled 35% of all calls

While its busiest hour was from 8.00pm to 9.00pm - which saw 185,000 calls answered.

Figures also showed more than 500,000 calls were answered by Samaritans volunteers last year, with almost 46,000 text replies and 5,300 e-mails sent.

Over 4,000 people were also given emotional support in a branch or at a festival.

Main issues

The main issues people contacted The Samaritans about in 2018 included mental health/illness (36.2%), isolation/loneliness (30%), family issues (28.5%) and relationship problems (20.9%).

Other callers raised concerns about physical health/illness, bereavement, violence/abuse, drug and/or alcohol misuse, and finance/unemployment. A number of these issues are often raised during one contact.

Suicidal thoughts were also expressed in 16.6% of contacts.

The charity has also said major Irish telecom providers have agreed to support its freephone 116-123 helpline for another five years.

BT Ireland, eir, Sky Ireland, Three Ireland, Virgin Media Ireland and Vodafone Ireland have extended their partnership until 2024.

Cindy O'Shea, Samaritans Irish regional director, said ongoing financial backing from the industry will ensure anyone who needs emotional support can continue to call for free.

She also praised the charity's 1,800 volunteers: "Samaritans has been supporting people in Ireland since 1961, but the introduction of freephone made a huge impact.

"It is amazing that in that time volunteers have answered almost three million telephone calls, as well as given support to thousands more by text, email and face to face in branches, in communities, at festivals and in prisons".

"We are thrilled that our largest telecommunications companies have shown their faith and confidence in us to continue delivering this service to their customers and others who need us in their darkest hours."

Communications Minister Richard Bruton added: "I am delighted that all major telcom providers have agreed to continue to support the Samaritans and the vital work that they do.

"This agreement will mean that there will be no cost barrier to anyone who may need to call the Samaritans."

Anyone who needs to get in touch with The Samaritans can call free on 116-123 or e-mail jo@samaritans.ie

Main image: Cindy O'Shea, Samaritans Irish regional director | Image: Supplied