Listening can save lives

Samaritans volunteers will be out in force for #TheBigListen

Samaritans from Oldham are building up to the charity’s The Big Listen event at Rochdale Station on Tuesday (July 24) 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 Tuesday, chosen to reflect Samaritans’ emotional support services, which are available 24-hours a day, seven 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. 

Volunteers from the Rochdale, Oldham and District branch will be at Rochdale Railway Station on Tuesday from 7 to 10am and 3 to 6pm.

Samaritans will be offering our SHUSH listening tips as well as cards with the freephone number on it. 

Samaritans volunteer and Director of its Rochdale branch, Janet Murphy, 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.”

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.

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.”

Paul Plummer, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, representing the rail industry, said: “Together, Britain’s rail companies are proud to be welcoming Samaritans volunteers into stations to help promote The Big Listen.

"Millions of people from all walks of life travel through our stations every day: challenging them to take the time to listen, and listen more effectively, is a positive message that we’re delighted to be helping Samaritans deliver.”

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.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.