The Dublin Samaritans say they expect to handle more calls this Christmas. Last year, an average of 190 calls per day was received during the same period.

Today the group will hold their sole annual fundraiser. Carol-singers and volunteers will be out on Dublin's Grafton Street from 12pm to 3:30pm.

Joining them will be Mary Coughlan, Dickie Rock, Paddy Cole and Conor Hamilton.

The garda male choir will also be lending their dulcet tones to the event.

"For some people, Christmas can emphasise suicidal feelings, loneliness and depression," says Brendan Gallagher, the director of the Dublin Samaritans.

"The issues people call about over Christmas are similar to the rest of the year - loneliness, family and relationship problems, financial worries, depression and mental health, stress and anxiety," he added.

All monies raised will fund the listening service, as the group has no paid executive.

But Mr Gallagher has criticised the way the media often portrays a false image of what Christmas is really like for many people in Ireland.

Dublin Samaritans can be contacted all over the Christmas period and throughout the year at 112 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, by free phone on 116-123, text 087-2-60-90-90 or email jo@samaritans.org