Carlow Kilkenny Samaritan branch remind people to contact them on their free phone number

The Samaritans are reminding you that they are there to listen.

The organisation has responded to almost half a million calls in 2014 and says says the launch of its nationwide free phone number contributed to more than 50 percent of the increase.

Over 1500 people volunteer with the Samaritans in 12 branches across the country.

Carlow Kilkenny branch director Ivan Kennedy says there is always someone there to listen.