SAMARITANS volunteers were heading to Blackburn railway station today to mark Talk to Us, the charity’s annual awareness month, which runs throughout July.

Volunteers from the charity were expected to be at the station from 7.15am and other groups will have a presence at 35 railway stations in the region.

They will be raising awareness with commuters about the importance of talking, and Samaritans’ round the clock service, for anyone struggling to cope.

The event has been initiated by Northern Rail whose staff will be welcoming Samaritans volunteers during the morning rush hour.

First TransPennine Express have also been keen to support the event.

Northern Rail’s customer service director Natalie Loughborough said: “Northern Rail is a community focused train operator and is therefore proud to support Samaritans with their national Talk to Us event.

“Our employees will be donating their time to help raise awareness of Samaritans service across the north of England.”