Volunteers from Samaritans’ branch in Milton Keynes will be getting people listening this summer with an event at Milton Keynes railway station on 24th July 2018.
It’s part of a nationwide push called The Big Listen to raise funds for Samaritans and shows how really listening to another person can be the first step to saving a life.
Local Samaritans along with Network Rail staff will be at the station all day, raising awareness of the importance of listening to those around us and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Although the message is serious, it will be a fun event and travellers will be able to get involved as well as picking up useful Listening Tips cards and giveaways.
The Big Listen 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 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 Steph Morgan-Jones from Samaritans’ branch in Milton Keynes 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 here
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