Samaritans were contacted more than 15,300 times in the last year by people in distress or despair across Maidstone and the Weald.
The branch in Grecian Street, Maidstone, took 12,576 phone calls, while the other 2,772 contacts during the year were by email, text or visits to the centre. The figures were revealed at the AGM of the organisation.
To cope with demand, 16 new volunteers have been trained, bringing the total number to 79.
Branch director Will Merrifield said: “From 60 years of experience, we know that talking things through in total confidence with someone you don’t know gives more control to the caller.”
Chairman Margaret Bell told the meeting it costs £55 a day to run the registered charity, and due to these costs and maintenance to the building, the branch was left with a £2,038 deficit.