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Sittingbourne train passengers to get help from The Samaritans

16:15, 29 April 2019

updated: 16:15, 29 April 2019

Commuters in Sittingbourne will be handed advice by volunteers from a crisis helpline charity.

Tomorrow, The Samaritans - which operates an around-the-clock free advice service - will be giving out leaflets and teabags to encourage people to sit down and talk.

They will be at Sittingbourne Railway Station in St Michael's Road as part of the Real People Real Stories campaign.

Sittingbourne Railway Station in St Michael's Road
Sittingbourne Railway Station in St Michael's Road

The scheme is aimed at getting men to open up and get through tough times.

Samaritans branch director for Maidstone and Weald, Sue Christmas, said: "We know men can sometimes find it really hard to admit they are having trouble coping and reluctant to seek help, and we want to say that at Maidstone and Weald branch we do our best to make it easy to get in touch with Samaritans and talk to a volunteer.

"We are here to take calls 24/7 free on 116 123."

It comes as a survey by the organisation found 41% of men in England, Scotland and Wales aged between 20 and 59 do not ask for help because they prefer to solve their problems themselves.

The study also looked into some of the main reasons why men find life tough and struggle.

They include debt and financial worries for 36%, relationship breakdown or family problems for 30% and loneliness or isolation for 29%.

Job-related problems accounted for one in four.

There will be more than 50 events taking place to help promote the campaign, including in Sittingbourne.

They are due to be there between 6.30am and 8.30am, noon and 2pm and 5pm and 7pm.

  • If you are going through a tough time and need to talk to someone call free The Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org

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