Samaritans volunteers in North Hertfordshire and Stevenage are helping to promote the charity’s ‘We Listen’ campaign, which lets people know that anyone can call in, whatever they’re going through.

Striking posters will be appearing soon at railway stations across the UK containing hidden messages where people claim to be fine when in fact they are not okay at all.

Volunteers at Letchworth, Knebworth and Stevenage railway stations will be inviting travellers to find out more about the work they do and encouraging commuters to spread the word about the new campaign on social media, using the hashtag #WeListen.

North Herts and Stevenage branch director Leigh Grigson said: “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.

“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.

“It might be the pressures of family, relationships, work, health, finances – or anything else.

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

It is estimated that five per cent of suicides annually in the UK take place in the railway environment, and Network Rail has been working with Samaritans to raise awareness of the charity’s emotional support services since 2010, along with Britain’s train operating companies and British Transport Police.

You can call Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans team in Nun’s Close, Hitchin.