Samaritans: Every 90 minutes someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide
Charity launches 'We Listen' campaign.
Last updated 13th Oct 2017
To mark Wold Mental Health Day this week, Samaritans Northern Ireland are urging people to get in touch whatever they may be going through.
Today they launch their 'We Listen' campaign to encourage people to make use of their support services.
Statistics released by the charity show nearly three quarters, 71% of people in Northern Ireland believe they are good listeners.
Despite that, only a quarter, 25% feel that they can talk when there is something on their mind.
Alan Herron is a long-term volunteer and has been involved with the charity for over 17 years.
"The organisation is listening based but we don't just listen, we can engage with the person.
"It's like two people having a quiet conversation anywhere, the difference is ours is more listening based.
"We can explore a person's feelings and suggest things that maybe they haven't thought about," he said.
The organisation has teamed up with Translink to promote the new initiative and will see posters throughout railway stations across Northern Ireland.
Alan says the more people talk, the less likely it is that problems will develop further down the line.
"What we don't do is give advice because the chances are, they've had advice right, left and centre and they've maybe had some good advice but quite often it's maybe not the sort of advice that's maybe best suited for them.
"So what we try and do is try to encourage them to come a decision which they will make and take ownership themselves," he said.
The charity aims to raise awareness of their services and are encouraging the public to get in touch by phone, email, text or in person at one of their branches.
Robert Bell is the Samaritans Director in Belfast.
"Life's pressures can build, without you even realising.
"It's all too easy to turn away, ignore how you're felling and put on a brave face.
"But you don't have to do that with us.
"Samaritans volunteers make time for you and really listen to you because simply being listened to can help you put into words what's really going on in your life and help you find a way through," he said.
He continued: "It might be the pressures of family, relationships, work, health, finances or anything else.
"Talk to Samaritans for free from any phone, email us, text us or come into one of our eight branches and chat face to face.
"Whatever works best for you, we'll listen and help you find a way through."
For more information or help and support visit the website or call 116 123 for free any time.