Samaritans in Solihull are building up to the charity’s The Big Listen event at Solihull station today by asking commuters and visitors to improve their listening skills using its SHUSH listening tips.
It’s all part of a nationwide push to raise awareness and funds for Samaritans, and at the same time show how really listening to another person can be the first step to saving a life.
Activity up and down the country will culminate in a marathon 24-hour event kicking off at midday on 24 July (24/7), chosen to reflect Samaritans’ emotional support services, which are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Funds raised by The Big Listen will help Samaritans keep its services free for anyone who needs them, and help recruit, train and support volunteers as well as run local branches across the UK.
Samaritans’ CEO Ruth Sutherland said: “Three times more people die by suicide than from road accidents. Samaritans volunteers are trained to be good listeners, but this is a skill we can share and everyone can learn. Together we will save lives.”
Samaritans volunteer and Director of its Solihull branch, Michele Pym, said: “We’ll be raising awareness of the support our volunteers provide and the outreach work that we do in the community. Anyone can join in The Big Listen, just go to Samaritans’ website to find out more.”
Rebecca Parker, Area Manager West Midlands at Chiltern Railways said: “Chiltern Railways works very closely with the Samaritans and we’re proud to be welcoming Samaritans volunteers to Solihull station today to help promote The Big Listen. We’d like to thank the volunteers for all the work they do and also all the training they provide our people to help prevent suicides and save lives.”
Samaritans volunteers from 100 branches around the UK are holding events at 120 different stations for The Big Listen, with support in from British Transport Police and the wider rail industry.
There are lots of ways to get involved in The Big Listen: make a donation, learn about listening or plan your own fundraising event. Find out more at: www.samaritans.org/media-centre/big-listen.
You can follow #TheBigListen @samaritans on Twitter, @samaritanscharity on Instagram, or via Samaritans’ facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity/.