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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.
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