COMMUTERS will have the chance to talk through their problems as Samaritans lend an ear for a new campaign this morning.

Members of the Swindon & District branch of the Samaritans will be at Swindon Train Station to give advice and help as part of the national We Listen campaign.

The campaign's message is that it may be easy to hide your feelings but when someone really listens, people start to open up and work through problems, some of which could be potentially damaging.

Train travellers will also have the chance to find out more about the work Swindon Samaritans do and services provided during the morning. They are then encouraged to spread the word on social media using #WeListen.

Debbie Merifield, branch director of Swindon & District Samaritans, said having someone to talk to honestly could provide welcome relief from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

“Life’s pressures can build, without you even realising. It’s all too easy to turn away, ignore how you’re feeling, and put on a brave face. But you don’t have to do that with us," she said.

"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," she said.

“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 our branch in Curtis Street, Swindon and chat face to face.

"Whatever works best for you, we’ll listen and help you find a way through.”

Posters showing people coping with secret problems have been put up in railway stations across England, Scotland and Wales, to promote the campaign.

Ian Stevens, Network Rail’s programme manager, said: “Thousands of people in Swindon and the surrounding area travel by rail and visit stations every day, so we’re well placed to support Samaritans’ ‘We Listen’ campaign and help spread the message that you don’t have to go it alone with your troubles when life is tough.”

For more information on the #WeListen campaign, follow the Samaritans on Twitter @samaritans or Facebook www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity.

To call Samaritans for free at any time from any phone dial 116 123, for the Swindon branch call 01793 53 73 73, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org