“We’re listening” - that’s the message from SOS help, a service dedicated to helping people in need of someone to talk to.

A branch of France’s SOS Amitié Federation and linked to the Samaritans, the line is manned every day from 15.00 - 23.00 to provide a confidential listening service to anyone who is feeling lonely, anxious, worried or confused.

Callers remain anonymous and there is no charge for the service except the cost of the call which is to a Paris number where the service is based.

Publicity co-ordinator and treasurer Christine Payne (pictured, to the right) has been involved with SOS helpline for around ten years.

She said: “The overwhelming reason for people calling us is loneliness, which can sometimes lead to other things such as depression. Expats can be particularly affected because they may not have their usual support network in place.

“Sometimes they experience cultural differences, sometimes they can find that what has been their support network over a long period can suddenly break down.

“If they have married into a family of a different nationality and the marriage breaks down they can suddenly find themselves isolated. It can be a similar story if someone loses their job.

“However our listeners are only there to listen - not to give advice.

“They are non-directional and non-judgmental. Their job is to listen to the caller, not to tell them what to do.”

The association was founded in 1974 by a group of American and British health and mental health professionals, with the help of Chad Varah, founder of the Samaritans, and support of Paris-based English speaking organisations such as the English and American churches and the American Hospital.

There is a strict recruitment process for listeners to ensure they are right for the job.

They are all either native English speakers or have English to mother-tongue level.

Ms Payne added: “Cases where people are suicidal are very rare.

“However if someone was in real distress and didn’t want us to call the Samu we wouldn’t.

“This can be hard for our listeners to accept as sometimes they might have to go against what they feel they should and want to do. But they are there to listen and that is their role.”

Listeners come from all walks of life and remain anonymous.

One listener said: “For somebody who is having a difficult time, just knowing that somebody is listening to them with empathy and a concerned voice without putting pressure on them to take any particular action can be a great relief.

“People often seem to work in that way, they don't really want someone to tell them what to do they just want someone to lend them an ear.”

The association relies on the generosity of its donors, volunteers and the public to keep the service going and recently raised over €5,000 through its English book sale.

Ms Payne said: “It was a real success and it makes a real difference.

“Volunteering can also be a rewarding experience and we have two recruitment sessions a year.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should call the helpline’s main number 01 46 21 46 46 or visit www.soshelpline.org