A special event has been held at Brighton railway station to promote the ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’ campaign.
The promotion by the Samaritans aims to empower the public to start a conversation that could help save a life.
An “awareness” event took place on the concourse at Brighton station.
Volunteers from Samaritans talked to passengers about approaching vulnerable people. They also helped to ease any concerns that the general public may have about this subject. The promotion was supported by Network Rail, British Transport Police and Govia Thameslink Railway.
Laura Campbell, suicide prevention manager at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “It’s great to be teaming up with our industry partners on the ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’ initiative.
“The mental wellbeing of both staff and passengers is a year-round priority for GTR and this campaign gives us another opportunity to remind people how to look out for one another, whilst equipping people with techniques to approach a potentially vulnerable person using the railway network.”
Julie Bentley, Samaritans chief executive, said: “It’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation with someone you don’t know in person, but at Samaritans we know first-hand how life-changing that conversation could be.
“Suicidal thoughts are often temporary and there’s no evidence to suggest that you will make the situation worse – it’s about trusting your instincts, starting a conversation, and showing you care. Let’s continue to look out for one another – it could save a life.”
GTR offers suicide prevention training to all employees in partnership with Samaritans, as well as its own e-learning modules on caring for the vulnerable. In addition, the operator provides trauma support training, counselling and access to wellbeing champions and Railway Chaplains.
To find out more about the Samaritans campaign, visit Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives.