COUNSELLING organisations have spoken out about the pressure of the festive period after two men from south Worcestershire killed themselves on Christmas Day after marriage difficulties.

The Worcester Samaritans said there was always somebody who could help.

"It does seem worse around this time of year, with the long, dark nights and pressure on people to enjoy themselves at Christmas," said their spokesman Michael.

"Everybody seems to be having a better time and it can be an awful few months, a real crunch time, for some people.

"Problems can range from redundancy to bereavement or relationship break-ups and illness - anything that makes people feel alone and isolated.

"These next two months are also hard, even for those who have had a good Christmas, because it now might all seem like an anti-climax. But we are here for people to share their problems."

The Samaritans can be reached on 08457 909090 and they have also launched an e-mail address, jo@samaritans.org, for people who find it difficult to express their feelings on the telephone.

The organisation Relate also helps people who are specifically suffering relationship difficulties.

Based at 19 Castle Street, Worcester, Relate can be contacted on 01905 28051 and can help couples, families and individuals.