NIGHT Owl volunteers are being urged to donate their time to Colchester Samaritans.

The charity needs more people to help service their telephone lines during the critical times of 10pm and 8am.

Samaritans is the only national charity which offers a 24-hour listening service and volunteers would be asked to spare three to four hours a week of their time.

Carol Almond, director of the Colchester branch, said: “Late evening onwards is often a very depressing time for people facing unhappiness in their lives.

"Somehow, at night, everything seems bleak, and callers feel very alone with their worries. That’s the time when we need extra volunteers to support people in crisis.

"Our existing team of volunteers are a remarkable bunch of people from all ages and walks of life who do give up part of a night every month to listen to callers.

"However, the frequency of night duties can be a burden to those volunteers who work during the day or have families to look after."

Full training will be given at the centre in Walsingham Road Community Hall.

On September 12, from 7.30pm, there is also an information event where potential volunteers can meet existing helpers.

The following event is October 1 at 10am.

Alternatively you call register your interest by emailing volunteer@colchestersamaritans.org or call 03705 627282.