PEOPLE in desperate times can now no longer just phone for help – they can send a text message too.

Samaritans in Dorset now have the ability to receive text messages from those in despair who have nowhere else to turn too.

The move comes as Samaritans, the good listeners at the end of the line, appeal for more volunteers to help with the charity’s work.

A selection day is being held on Saturday, September 21 after which training will start for new members.

Samaritans of Dorset Director David Webb said the text service was just one of the ways the organisation was trying to connect with more groups in the community, including young people and other vulnerable groups.

He said the Weymouth office, which receives about 33,000 calls a year, was as busy as ever with people phoning about issues such as exam and holiday stress, university admissions and money worries.

Callers do not have to be suicidal to contact Samaritans, which offers a confidential, non-judgemental listening service.

Mr Webb added: “We would like to do more to reach out to the vulnerable people at risk in the community who don’t necessarily contact us.

“Middle-aged men are now ten times more at risk of killing themselves than the general population. But to reach out to more people we need more volunteers – lots more.

“We can offer award-winning training, new skills, new friendships, very rewarding work, great support, and free tea, coffee and biscuits.

“If you don’t think you would be any good at listening, there are lots of other jobs, including helping us in our garden to grow plants to raise money.”

No experience is necessary to man the phones as full training will be given.

People interested in volunteering should call 01305 770598 or email weymouthsamaritansrecruitment@gmail.com If you want to talk to Samaritans call 01305 771777 or text 07725 909090.