We Don't Just Hear You

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'We Listen' say Putney Samaritans

Samaritans volunteers from Putney Branch, which covers South West London, are helping to promote the charity’s brand new ‘We Listen’ campaign, which lets people know that anyone can call Samaritans, whatever they’re going through.

Striking posters in railway stations across England, Scotland and Wales contain hidden messages where people claiming to be fine are 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’.

Supported by Network Rail and the wider rail industry, the campaign aims to show that while it’s easy to hide your feelings, when someone really listens you’re more likely to open up and start working through your problems. Good listeners can unlock the potentially damaging secrets some people keep. Samaritans are there for everyone and they don’t just hear you, they really listen.

Shona Synnott Putney Branch Director 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 us. 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. Talk to Samaritans for free from any phone, email us, text us or arrange an appointment to come into our branch in Putney to talk 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.

Ian Stevens, Network Rail’s Programme Manager:
“Thousands of people travel by rail and visit stations every day, so we’re well placed 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.”

Volunteers will be inviting travellers to find out more about the work they do and the services they offer, and encouraging commuters to spread the word about the new campaign on social media, using the hashtag #WeListen.

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 jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.

Get on board with the #WeListen campaign by following Samaritans on Twitter @samaritans or Facebook www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity.

To find out more about the outreach work that Samaritans in South West London do, or to learn about volunteering, email jo@samaritans.org or call 020 8789 9121. Putney Samaritans next information evening is on Tuesday 15 March at 7.30pm (arrive 7.15pm for refreshments). There's no need to book, just come along if you're interested in volunteering with us. It's held at our branch AT 14 Princeton Court, 53-55 Felsham Road, Putney, SW15 1AZ and will finish by 9.30pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

February 22, 2016