A region of listeners, but no one wants to talk

WHILE most of us like to think we're good listeners, we keep quiet about our own problems, statistics released by Samaritans show that 66% of people in the North West believe they're good listeners, but only 24% feel they can talk when something's on their mind.

The figures come as Samaritans launches its "We Listen" campaign. Supported by Network Rail and the wider rail industry, the message is that while it's easy to hide your feelings, when someone really listens, which is what Samaritans volunteers do, you're more likely to open up and start working through your problems.

Posters in railway stations across the North West contain hidden messages where people claiming to be fine reveal that they're not OK at all. One says:- "I'm alright with being single I guess. It's not ideal for the kids, but they seem to be coping," the real message being:- "I'm not coping."  Another says:- "I'm going to be alright. It's not so bad spending a lot of time alone," where the reality is:- "I'm so alone".

The message from Samaritans is:- "We don't just hear you, we listen", reassuring callers that dedicated listeners are interested in the real problems they are grappling with.

Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland says:- "Life's pressures can build, without you even realising. It's all too easy to turn away, ignore how you're feeling, and put on a brave face. But you don't have to do that with Samaritans. Samaritans volunteers make time for you and really listen to you, because simply being listened to can help you put into words what's really going on in your life and help you find a way through.  It might be the pressures of family, relationships, work, health, finances; or anything else. Life can be tough, and it's a strength not a weakness to reach out for support. Talk to Samaritans for free from any phone, email us, text us or come into a branch and chat face to face. Whatever works best for you, we'll listen and help you find a way through."

Network Rail has been working with Samaritans to raise awareness of the charity's emotional support services since 2010, along with Britain's train operating companies and British Transport Police. As well as funding advertising campaigns in stations, in the community and at big events, the partnership has seen more than 11,500 rail staff trained in listening and confidence skills, enabling them to identify people at risk and help them. In the past year, railway staff may have prevented more than 450 people from harming themselves on the rail network.

Ian Stevens is Network Rail's Programme Manager:- "Millions of people travel by rail and visit stations every day, so we're well placed and proud to support Samaritans' 'We Listen' campaign and help spread the message that you don't have to go it alone with your troubles when life is tough. Through our industry programme Samaritans has trained thousands of railway staff, equipping them with the confidence and listening skills to direct anyone who may be at risk of harming themselves to people who can help, such as Samaritans."

The awareness raising campaign will be promoted heavily online and across social media, with people invited to explore and share a short film showing the difference between hearing and listening. Shot from the point of view of someone having a conversation with a friend going through difficult times, a series of distractions highlight that it's not always easy to hear what really matters. The aim is to emphasise how valuable listening is when supporting people who may be struggling, and to encourage more people to contact Samaritans before their feelings overwhelm them.

You can call Samaritans for free any time from any phone on:- 116 123 (you don't even need credit and this number won't show up on your phone bill), email them or visit:- Samaritans.Org, to find details of your nearest branch.

Get on board with our #WeListen campaign by following Samaritans on Twitter @samaritans or on Facebook.

Sefton Magistrates Court granted closure order on a Litherland property

ON Wednesday, 3 February 2016, Merseyside Police was successful in obtaining a full closure order on 63 Daley Road, Litherland, at Sefton Magistrates Court, had allowed the occupants until, Wednesday, 17 February 2016, to vacate completely. This follows a history of reports of drug activity and anti social behaviour at the property. Neighbourhood Inspector Phil Hatton, said:- "We can confirm that a closure order has been put in place at an address on Daley Road. The order was applied for by the local neighbourhood policing team in response to issues raised by residents of anti social behaviour by the residents and visitors to this address and that criminal offences were taking place at the premises. The complaints received included incidents of anti social behaviour, drug dealing and drug taking linked to the address and people calling there, causing a nuisance using motor vehicles anti socially. The order was approved in Sefton Magistrates Court and means that nobody can visit the address other than the owner. Anyone, other than those specified in the order, found to be on the premises will be subject to arrest. The prohibited access to the premises is put in place in an effort to reduce the level of crime reported in the area and to allow the local residents of Litherland to enjoy the quality of life that they are entitled to. The order will run for three months and will be reviewed by officers at its conclusion. The property was associated with anti social behaviour in the area and appeared to have become a hub for local gangs in the area who were using it to use and sell drugs. We will continue to target offenders and any properties associated with them who continue to cause problems for the community, and we will do this using all lawful powers available to us in order to make Sefton a safer and more peaceful place to live. This closure order was only made possible due to the assistance of the local community and we will continue to be robust in tackling criminal activity and anti social behaviour. I would encourage any members of the community who have any information to call us via our:- 101 number or through Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111."