Basildon and Thurrock Samaritans delighted to be part of the Big Listen
SAMARITANS of Basildon and Thurrock are building up to the charity’s The Big Listen event at Basildon, Grays, Laindon and Shenfield stations today 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 24 July (24/7), chosen to reflect Samaritans’ emotional support services, which are available 24-hours a day, 7 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.
Our Volunteers, supported by C2C, Greater Anglia and Rail Pastors, will be handing out SHUSH listening tips and collecting from 7am to 9am and then 4.30 pm to 6.30pm. at Basildon, Grays, Laindon and Shenfield stations.
Samaritans volunteer and Director of its Basildon and Thurrock branch, Maureen 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.
You can follow #TheBigListen @samaritans on Twitter, @samaritanscharity on Instagram, or via Samaritans’ facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity/.
