TEAMS of volunteers are to patrol in and around Taunton Station to offer support to rail travellers experiencing a moment of crisis.

Rail Responders, drawn from worshippers in the town's churches, aim to offer passengers a caring, listening and reassuring presence.

The partnership with British Transport Police (BTP) and Great Western Railway was launched on Monday and will go live in the spring.

Taunton Team Chaplaincy, which was approached by BTP to help out, has put up 14 volunteers, who will work in teams of three or four, generally in the evenings and at weekends.

Lead chaplain Adrian Prior-Sankey said the chaplaincy has a record of community engagement over eight years and currently provides chaplains for care homes, shops, offices and public spaces.

He added: "Local churches are pleased to be able to respond to a request from BTP to support them and railway staff in addressing the needs of all railway users, particularly those who would welcome a listening ear and a friendly face while on or around Taunton Station.

"We'll be particularly sensitive to those struggling with life's difficulties and will offer a caring and compassionate response and talk about any aspects of life or eternity."

Mr Prior-Sankey said the initiative is "very much a partnership" and where it has already been introduced in other parts of the country has seen a significant drop in anti-social behaviour and crime, although he added that responders are "not vigilantes".

Supt Mark Cleland, sub-divisional commander of BTP C Division (Western), said: "I'm really pleased to welcome on board these 14 new volunteers as part of the Taunton Rail Responders.

"These team members will offer a reassuring presence to the travelling public and are ready to help any vulnerable passengers on the station."

The volunteers, who have received training in listening skills from The Samaritans, will wear distinctive royal blue uniforms labelled 'Rail Responders' to avoid confusion with enforcement agencies.

Taunton Station manager Tracy McCarthy said: "GWR is pleased to welcome these community-minded volunteers and looks forward to a productive partnership which will enhance the experience of all our customers, and help to ensure a warm and friendly station environment."

To mark the Rail Responders launch on so-called 'Blue Monday' - labelled the most difficult day of the year by the media - The Samaritans held a 'Brew Monday' event at Taunton Station to give people the chance to chat over a cuppa.

If you need support, call The Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116123, e-mail jo@samaritans.org visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the organisation's website.