Volunteers from Samaritans’ local branch in Brighton and Hove are getting people listening this summer by being present at Brighton station from 7am to 7pm on Tuesday, July 24.
IT’S all part of a nationwide push called The Big Listen to raise funds for Samaritans and show how really listening to another person can be the first step to saving a life.
Both listening and support volunteers will be attending Brighton station for the whole day, engaging with the public, encouraging people to talk to Samaritans, giving out information on their SHUSH listening tips, collecting funds and inspiring people to become volunteers.
The Big Listen activity up and down the country will culminate in a marathon 24-hour event kicking off at midday on July 24, chosen to reflect the availability of Samaritans’ emotional support services 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Famous faces from across the worlds of sport, music, TV, entertainment, business and fashion will be lending their support, as well as donating some unique prizes to help promote The Big Listen to their fans.
Volunteer Lisa Rodrigues from Samaritans’ branch in Brighton and Hove says: “As many as 1 in 5 adults have thought about taking their own life at some point. When people feel like that, they need to be able to talk about it, which means they need people to listen.
“As Samaritans volunteers, we know how much listening to someone at a low point can help them feel less alone. It makes them more able to deal with difficult thoughts and feelings and gives them the time and space to reflect and move on.
“Not everyone will feel ready or able to talk to family, friends or colleagues, but the more we promote what good listening is, and how you encourage others to talk, the more we hope people will open up to someone they trust before they reach crisis point. With The Big Listen, we’re asking people to give, share and save a life.”
Funds raised by The Big Listen will help Samaritans keep its services free for anyone who needs them, as well as helping to recruit, train and support volunteers and run local branches across the UK.
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.
You can follow #TheBigListen @samaritans on Twitter, @samaritanscharity on Instagram, or via Samaritans’ facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity/.
Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and more than 20,000 trained volunteers that mean they are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Your money or your time could save a life.
Find out how you can support them, click here:
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