by Katie Lamborn

An overcrowded job market means many graduates are turning to the Samaritans…but not in the way you'd imagine.

There has been a sharp rise this year in the number of young people from Kent opting to volunteer so they can gain skills that will help them back into employment.

In Maidstone and Weald alone last year around 60 people applied to be volunteers for the counselling charity.

Of those, 26 completed the training, as compared with the average of 15 for a typical year.

Lucy, 22, recently lost her job and says there are many people in her situation who are turning to the Samaritans to help them stay motivated.

She said: “It’s always been a charity that I’ve respected and admired. Like me, a lot of people have never been able to find the time but in this climate they can.”

Every day she volunteers for the Samaritans, Lucy believes she’s adding to her job prospects.

“What I do broadens my knowledge of people's conditions. The skills I’ve learnt I can put forward to all sorts of positions.”

“Volunteering can help your career in the future and it’s a great chance to do something you care about that has a positive influence in people’s lives.”

• Samaritans:apply to be a volunteer by visiting the Samaritans' website.