Tucked away in a town centre side street is the home of Rochdale and district Samaritans.

Unknown to many, this office hosts a team of volunteers who provide a support system for people all over the world.

At the other end of phones are some of the branch’s 40 ‘Sams’, who dedicate several hours a week to providing a listening ear for people suffering with worry, stress, depression, or suicidal thoughts.

The volunteer’s role is a difficult one and involves taking an impartial, passive approach even faced with the most extreme circumstances.

"You are trained to deal with every possible situation," said 44-year-old Louise – they ask us not to reveal their full name - a recent recruit to the Rochdale branch. "You are not allowed to give advice and must simply act as someone who will listen to the caller’s problems without any judgement. You could hear from people who simply want someone to shout abuse at, or even someone making a dirty phone call! But most just need to know someone is there to hear their worries without any interruption.

"In the worst case scenario, you could have someone at the other end actually in the act of suicide and be able to do nothing about it. You need to be strong to deal with that."

The calls coming to the local office are centralised and come from all over the country, reinforcing the anonymity that has become a hallmark of the charity.

Staff also deal with emails sent from people all over the world, who discover the Samaritans after typing their feelings into a search engine.

Alan, 34, is a former nurse and recently retired from work due to health problems.

He decided to volunteer as a ‘Sam’ after suffering the effects of depression first hand 11 years ago, when his sister killed herself.

"You get all sorts of people phoning up, from both ends of the social spectrum," he said. "They can be of any age and can need you for any reason in the world. You realise that what is a small problem for some people can cause massive worries for others."

There is a wide variety of reasons why people phone the helpline, from relationship breakdown to the effect another person’s suicide can have, stress at work, redundancy and financial worries.

Alan has spoken to a number of people worried about losing money due to changes to the disability allowance system.

He said: "I think this time of year is particularly difficult for people. Whatever the reason they call, they appreciate having someone there who will properly listen, without making any rash phrases or judgements.

"It is a big comfort and assurance to people knowing they are completely anonymous and we never discuss callers afterwards."

Rochdale’s branch is currently manned at different times through the week and weekend but the charity is looking for more volunteers to help it stay open around the clock.

Full training is given and volunteers are asked to give at least four hours a week, which is split up at various times to suit each volunteer.

People can also help the charity by volunteering as to help with the administration of the office, without answering any calls. It relies almost entirely on donations, with each call costing around £3.30 to answer.

Alan said: "On a personal level, it has really helped me. After giving up work, I still wanted to do something valuable. I’m not from Rochdale so this has helped me to meet a lot of people and we all get on The helpline is on 08457 90 90 90very well. The hours are very flexible and you have a good support system in place.

"I also feel it has helped me to become a better listener with my own friends."

Louise said: "You have a good support system. After you’ve finished your shifts, you speak to another person about the calls and it helps to offload some of the worries you’ve had to deal with. It does really help you develop as a person."

The charity, on Caton Street, is holding an open morning for interested volunteers on Saturday, January 14, from 10am. For more information, call Paula on 07981347919 or visit www.samaritans.org . The helpline is on 08457 90 90 90

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