Samaritans launch railway ticket campaign to cut suicides

By The Press Association26th April 2016News EnglandNews England, Suicide, Suicide Prevention

Rail tickets are to feature the Samaritans’ logo and phone number as part of a campaign to cut suicides.

The printing will appear on the back of paper tickets, along with the message: “We don’t just hear you, we listen.”

Olympic boxing gold medallist Audley Harrison, who is supporting the charity’s We Listen campaign, said: “It’s a strength, not a weakness, to reach out for help.

“Let’s all get behind this campaign and let people know they don’t have to go it alone with their problems.

“If you don’t want to talk to friends or family, or feel you have nowhere to turn, Samaritans will listen. They’re free to call and it won’t even show up on your phone bill.”

The Samaritans hope their campaign will encourage those having suicidal thoughts to phone their helpline on 116 123.

A spokesman for the charity said: “This is an opportunity to reach out to millions more people with our free helpline number.

“We’re pleased to have the support of the rail industry on ticket publicity as part of our wider rail programme, which aims to raise awareness that anyone can contact Samaritans, whatever you’re going through.”