Samaritans 'Talk to Us' Events Held Across North East

A Chester le Street mum who lost her son to suicide says talking about his problems could have saved his life.

Shirley Smith's son Daniel was 19 when he unexpecte dly took his own life.

It's as Samaritans volunteers are at North East railway stations to raise awareness during rush hour this morning, including: Chester le Street, Cramlington, Dunston, Newcastle Metro Centre, Redcar and Sunderland.

Volunteers will be welcomed into the stations by staff from train operator Northern Rail who is backing their Talk to Us Campaign.

It highlights to commuters the value of talking through problems when life gets tough, and Samaritans round the clock service, for anyone struggling to cope.

Shirley thinks it’s harder for men to open up and admit that they’re struggling, after it was revealed that our region has the highest rate of male suicides in the country.

After Daniel’s death her family set up the If U Care Share Foundation which supports people who feel suicidal and those who've lost loved ones to it.

She said:

“I don’t think that you come to terms with such a tragic loss. It’s nearly 11 years for us and I still have no understanding of why Daniel chose to leave.”

“I’m yet to meet somebody who actually says that this was something that wasn’t going to be able to be sorted. All families feel that something could have been done to have a different outcome.”

Bob Howe, Regional Marketing Officer for Samaritans in the North of England said:

“Raising awareness of our service to the travelling public in this way is really important, and having the opportunity to work in partnership with Northern Rail across their network is really inspiring. We want people to recognise the value of talking to us, about any issues that may be troubling them.”

“Men are notoriously bad about talking about feelings. We notice the importance of people talking to us much sooner before they get to that desperate stage.”

Anyone in distress or need some support, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90 or visit their website

You can call the If U Care Share Foundation on 0191 387 5661 or visit their website: