Suicide Line Receives 25,600 Calls in First Year

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

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Portugal’s National Suicide Prevention Line received approximately 25,600 calls during its first year, including almost 700 involving an imminent risk of suicide.

The free 1411 helpline began operating on the 10th of September 2025, World Suicide Prevention Day, and is available 24 hours a day. It is staffed by around 70 clinical psychologists and mental health nurses trained in suicide prevention.

José Carlos Santos, the line’s clinical coordinator, described the number of calls as significant for a relatively new service which is still not widely known.

Approximately 80% of calls were answered, a figure Santos said compares favourably with international services. The average waiting time was around 50 seconds, although some calls were answered within ten seconds and others took up to three minutes.

Young adults account for most calls. Women accounted for approximately 60% of callers, compared with 40% for men. More than 40% of contacts came from people aged between 18 and 29. Santos expressed concern that men were less likely to contact the service, possibly because of a greater reluctance to discuss their emotions or seek assistance.

“Asking for help is not a weakness,” he stressed, describing the recognition that support is needed as an act of intelligence and self-awareness.

He also encouraged older people experiencing distress or loneliness to call, assuring them that trained professionals would listen confidentially and refer them to additional services when necessary.

The most common reasons for contacting 1411 included symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts, and relationship or family difficulties. Some callers were seeking advice because they were concerned about a friend or relative. The service can help people understand what they can do, what they should avoid saying and how to support someone who may be at risk.

Calls increased at Christmas and during summer, with the line recording its first increase in demand during November and December, particularly around Christmas, followed by a larger rise during July and August. These spikes were anticipated, as holidays and, in particular, Christmas increase feelings of isolation and loneliness.

“Christmas is not always about joy and celebrations,” he said, noting that the period can be especially painful for people who are alone. Summer can present similar difficulties for those who are unable to go on holiday or have no one with whom to spend their time.

Santos placed the demand for the service within Portugal’s wider mental health situation, referring to a national epidemiological study indicating that almost a quarter of the population may experience a mental health problem.

Portugal records approximately ten deaths by suicide per 100,000 inhabitants, with older people particularly affected. The rate among adolescents is below five per 100,000, but Santos stressed that preventive work remains essential because of the potential for imitation or contagion following a suicide. Among older people, he highlighted the importance of addressing loneliness, isolation and mental illness.

The coordinator also pointed to social inequality as a factor influencing psychological distress and argued that prevention cannot be the responsibility of health services alone.

It requires the involvement of the health, education, employment and internal administration authorities, as well as municipalities, schools, businesses, workplaces and local communities.

One of the central messages from the service is that a suicidal crisis is generally limited in duration. This means that timely support and intervention can save lives.

Santos thanked the professionals responsible for operating 1411 and recognised the contribution of Portugal’s other emotional support services, many of which rely upon trained volunteers.

Concluding, he said, “Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”