<p>
	The new phone number will replace the existing low-call number as part of a change being brought in across Europe.</p>
<p>
	The Samaritans is bringing in a new free phone number to replace its existing low-call number as part of a change being implemented across Europe.</p>
<p>
	The new phone number &ndash; 116 123 &ndash;&nbsp; means people who are struggling to cope will no longer have to pay anything to access the service.</p>
<p>
	The change is part of a plan by the European Commission to make some helplines easy to remember and free of charge using the format 116 + 3 digits.</p>
<p>
	The Samaritans was assigned the emotional support helpline by communications watchdog ComReg.</p>
<p>
	The helpline received more than 380,000 calls last year, with many of the calls happening late at night.</p>
<p>
	The Samaritans said the issues brought up the most by callers were family and relationship problems, depression and mental health issues, loneliness and stress or anxiety.</p>
<p>
	The new phone number will be launched later today&nbsp; by Ministers Pat Rabitte and Kathleen Lynch.</p>
<p>
	http://www.thejournal.ie/samaritans-free-phone-number-1378637-Mar2014/</p>
