Money worry calls to Samaritans 'doubled since 2008'

The number of people calling the Samaritans with financial concerns and debt problems has doubled since the financial crisis began in 2008, the BBC reports.

A YouGov survey on behalf of the Samaritans, spanning 12 months, found that as many as 58% of people are worried that they won't have enough money to live on next year. Over a third of people are worried about their job security and whether they could find work if they did lose their job.

The online survey found an increasing number of calls from people distressed about payday loans.

As many as one in five calls to the Samaritans this year were about job worries, housing problems, debt and other financial problems. There were only one in ten calls like this before 2008.

The charity helps 2.5 million callers every year with its around-the-clock, 365 days-a-year helpline. Overall, money, bank balances and debt were the most common worries this year among callers.

A spokesperson for debt management company Gregory Pennington commented: "Christmas is a time for celebration, but there are clearly many people who are concerned about their financial situation and what the future holds. If you or someone you know is concerned about debt, a debt expert may be able to help find a realistic solution.

"The situation is never hopeless, there is usually something that can be done about debt, so seek help sooner rather than later."

Lucy Bower