A charity which offers counselling or the chance for people to talk to someone at the end of the phone faces the threat of folding.

Shalom, a Christian charity, based at Maidstone Community Support Centre in Marsham Street, is appealing for people to help raise money or donate.

The charity was founded in 1996 by counsellor Margaret Doak, who retired as its director in May.

While some people have a chat to one of two “listeners” over the phone, others have face-to-face sessions, with the charity’s four counsellors.

Shalom’s new director, Edith Mukotekwa, 42, of Glenbourne Avenue, Maidstone, said: “Our financial crisis has been quite gradual in coming but it is not helped by the current financial situation.

“We have a minimal fee of £20 for counselling, but we do also accept donations if someone cannot afford that. But we never turn anyone away if they can’t pay.”

Mrs Mukotekwa is urging people the charity has helped to consider organising fund-raising events. She is also appealing for help with grant applications.

The charity has already had to scrap visits by a counsellor to community centres in Park Wood, Maidstone, to speak to young people because of its finances.

Mrs Mukotekwa, who moved to Maidstone from Zimbabwe, added: “I would love to employ an extra counsellor with the money.”

Last year 205 people had counselling sessions. There are no figures available for people who may ring once or twice to talk through their problems, but decide not to progress to counselling.

“Divorce, abuse and suicidal feelings and stress are by far the most common things we see,” added Mrs Mukotekwa.

“It used to be just women coming to us and there used to be a stigma about seeing “a shrink” but we are seeing increasing numbers of men.

“We live in a very lonely world and when something goes wrong people have no-one to turn to. Their problems build up to the point that it reaches a head.”

Contact the charity on 01622 683878 or 07949 451278.