A telephone-based support service for adults who were abused in childhood received almost 8,000 calls in the last year, however almost one-third of these calls were received out of hours, new figures have shown.

Connect is a free, confidential and professional telephone-based counselling and support service for any adults who have experienced abuse, trauma or neglect in childhood.

According to its annual figures for the period December 1, 2018, to December 1, 2019, the service received 7,826 calls. Of these, 5,326 were answered - a 4% increase on the number answered in the previous year.

However, 2,500 calls were received out of hours. Out-of-hours callers are directed to an answering service and are asked to call again during opening hours.

Connect said that these figures highlight an ongoing demand for this service and the need for longer opening hours. Currently, it is open for 20 hours per week, from 6pm to 10pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

"Connect is a necessary and niche service that meets the needs of people who choose anonymous telephone-based counselling as a first step towards face-to-face therapy, or as a preferred longer-term approach.

"However, we do have a challenge with demand for additional opening hours and we would encourage more male callers to the service," commented service director, Marie Percival.

The figures show that just 26% of callers to Connect this year were male.

Meanwhile, 48% of overall callers were aged between 31 and 50, while 29% were over the age of 50.

In anticipation of increased demand over the Christmas period, Connect is extending its opening hours during this period. It will be open every evening from Wednesday, December 18 until Sunday, January 5.

"Christmas can be a particularly sensitive time when difficulties can resurface," Ms Percival noted.

Callers will get to speak to a trained counsellor who can listen and provide professional counselling and support. Call 1800 477 477. From Northern Ireland and the UK, the number is 00 800 477 477 77.

Connect was established in 2006 following demands from groups representing survivors of institutional abuse that an independent and professional out-of-hours telephone-based service be established. It is funded by the HSE.

For more information on the service, click here.