AN ADVICE and support charity will be manning a 24-hour stand in Barrow town centre from this morning.

The plan is to encourage people to pop over and have a chat as part of the Samaritans' July awareness campaign to "SHUSH! and listen".

They want to encourage people to become better listeners and learn tips that can transform relationships.

Volunteers from the Furness and South Lakes branch will be in Dalton Road, near McDonalds, from 10am today until 10am on Sunday.

Barrow branch director Sarah Cooper said: "We listen. That's what we're here to do when people contact us, and sometimes it can be really challenging. But you don’t have to be a Samaritan to be a good listener.

"We're a culture of people who love to give advice, love to give opinions and quite frankly love the sound of our own voices.

But this year we’re asking people all over the country to SHUSH! and listen better to each other.

"Sixty years of Samaritans’ expertise has taught us that just listening is the greatest gift you can give to somebody, and that it can save lives.”

"Samaritans’ aim is to bring down the high numbers of suicides.

"It wants to encourage people to ask for help early if they are struggling, rather than waiting until they reach a crisis."

How to get help

Samaritans is there to listen to whatever your problem and no issue is too big or too small.

Anybody can call them free at any time of day from any phone on 116 123. It will not appear on the phone bill.
Alternatively, people can access support by emailing jo@samaritans.org, visiting www.samaritans.org or poping into the Barrow branch in Hartington Street.