THE Samaritans have gone online to help people who are suicidal or desperate.

For years, people have used the telephone, or had face-to- face meetings with volunteers to pour out their troubles.

However, the world of computer technology means they can now use e-mail.

Nationally, the Samaritans received 25,000 e-mails last year, and the charity expects that figure to double in 2001.

Now, the Sunderland branch has gone online, thanks to the donation of a computer by Sunderland University.

The university's marketing director, Judith Green, said: "Although I am replacing my computer with a new model, which can run all the state-of-the-art software I need, my old machine is still of a high specification and I am thrilled that by donating to the Samaritans, people who really need their help will benefit.

"The university has its own counselling service, so we know how important this work is to people in distress.''

Ellen Rowley, director of the Sunderland Samaritans' branch, said: "This is a very important step forward for us.

"The Samaritans specialise in helping suicidal and desperate people, either face to face, by phone, and now by e-mail.

"This is yet another means by which people can contact us anonymously.

"With all age groups having access to computers, it makes our service accessible to even more members of the public.'