SAMARITANS volunteers were out in force at train stations across the West Midlands on Wednesday (April 26) to help raise awareness of the charity’s life-saving services.
Staff from London Midland, Virgin Trains, Network Rail and British Transport Police supported the events – which ran at nine stations including Coventry and Birmingham New Street.
Samaritans has been working in partnership with the rail industry and British Transport Police since 2010, training staff in suicide prevention measures and supporting those affected by incidents on the railway.
Volunteer Mandy Poulsen was among those chatting to travellers.
She said: “Hundreds of thousands of people across the region travel by train every day so stations are a great place to promote the work we do.
“Life is tough and anyone can feel overwhelmed.
“We want people to know that you can contact Samaritans for free from any phone at any time.
“It could be work, family, health, money or relationship pressures.
“Whatever you’re going through, we’ll be there to listen.”
Tom Joyner, London Midland Director of passenger services, said: “Whatever you’re going through in life, you don’t have to suffer in silence.
“Samaritans volunteers are always there on the end of a phone or on email and they will listen.”
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org to find details about your nearest branch.
