There's a chance to find out what's involved in becoming a Samaritan in the Island this evening.

The organisation's holding the first of two annual recruitment evenings at its base in Victoria Place at 7pm.

Samaritans offer a confidential listening service around the clock every day of the year, to help those in despair and distress.

The Island's 70 volunteers deal with 28,000 contacts each year, that amounts to 77 calls for help every 24 hours.

Tonight, you can find out about the training and commitment needed to become a Samaritan, and for those who go on to make a formal application, an intensive training course lies ahead.

New volunteer Adrian Christian says there are many rewards in helping others: