Reporting by Luke May and Ellis Stephenson

The number of people taking their lives has risen in one part of Kent.

Some 27 people committed suicide in Medway in 2016, an increase from 22 cases reported in the previous year, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.

That is despite the rest of Kent reporting 143 suicides in 2016, a fall of 10 from 153 reports in 2015.

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It comes as Monday, January 15, has been labelled the most depressing day of the year by researchers.

Blue Monday, as it has been termed, is believed to be triggered by a number of factors including poor weather, debt and even failing new year's resolutions.

The area with the highest suicide rate in 2016 after Medway was Thanet with 23 cases, followed by Canterbury with 16 and Swale with 15.

Samaritans’ seven Kent branches will be open for anyone looking to stop by for a chat, as the charity’s national hotline volunteers prepare to spend 123,000 hours taking telephone calls across the country in just two weeks.

Nadine Miller, who has been a volunteer for three years, said: "Feelings are always heightened around Christmas.

"It can be a tricky time of year.

"There is always pressure to have a perfect Christmas. Others might be feeling lonely and our job is to help."

Last year, 404 Kent volunteers responded to 8,500 calls for help between December 18 and January 1, offering support to people over the phone, by text or email, or people knocking on the branch door.

Miss Miller, a web designer, said: "Sometimes speaking to someone face to face can make a big difference.

"In Maidstone, we have 75 volunteers that are all trained to help people. We don’t give advice. Samaritans are there to be there when someone needs us.

"You can have a thought going around in your mind. If you can share what you’re thinking, it can be a relief.

"I’d always wanted to do something that matters. Being able to help people is a real privilege."

Post-festive stress has getting more recognition in recent years and organisations such as Samaritans are looking at ways to address it, including Brew Monday which is taking place across the county on Monday, January 15.

Anyone in need of emotional support is urged to call the Samaritans on 116 123. Kent County Council's Release the Pressure campaign also urges people to call 0800 107 0160 where support is available from trained and experienced mental health staff, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.