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TWO OF the south’s major rail operators are aiming to encourage customers and members of the public to start a conversation if they feel someone is in need of help.
The rail operators are joining a campaign by the Samaritans which seeks to get people talking to prevent helplessness.
The Small Talk Saves Lives campaign is encouraging people to feel empowered to offer help to those who may need it by striking up a conversation.
As part of the launch, the charity has released a new film which shows that small talk can be all it takes to interrupt or delay suicidal thoughts, which could be enough to help them begin recovery.
The new campaign comes after research was released by Samaritans which revealed that only 50% of UK adults said they would feel “confident” approaching and speaking to someone they don’t know if they were concerned about them in public.
Colleagues from each of the rail operators will be taking to the stations in high-vis as a point of contact for events during the coming weeks.
Two of GWR’s train managers, mother and daughter Carol and Kim Hellyer, are helping to front the campaign with their own personal experiences of providing care to passengers.
Kim Hellyer, 25, said: “As a train manager, my main role is the safety of the train. I’m always moving through the train checking if everyone is OK.”
She speaks of how a passenger told her that she was going away “because she wanted to end her life.
“I knew I had to keep talking to her and keep her with me, so she was safe– when we reached the next station, I needed to open and close the doors to let customers on and off the train.
“At that point I called control, and they arranged for the British Transport Police to come– I continued to chat to her and didn’t leave her side.
“I feel so strongly about encouraging other train crews to learn and do Samaritans’ ‘Managing Suicidal Contacts’ training. I want to raise awareness for others who need support too.
“GWR gave me a Gold Award in September last year for this, which I was really proud of.”
Jason, one of SWR’s drivers, has worked with Samaritans and was inspired to help from his own experience.
After being bereaved by suicide and knowing other rail staff who have also been impacted, as well as going through his own mental health struggles, he wanted passengers and staff to know that they weren’t alone.
Jane Lupson, SWR’s Safety and Security Director said: “South Western Railway is really proud to once again be working in partnership with Samaritans on this important campaign to highlight the power of small talk.
“We’ve worked with Samaritans since 2010 to encourage life-saving conversations with both our staff and the public.
“It’s so important we continue look out for one another, as we all have the power to start a conversation, which could save a life.”
Julie Bentley, Samaritans’ CEO, 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.
She explained: “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.
“We know it’s been a really challenging time for people’s mental health over the last few years, so we hope the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign builds that confidence and reminds the public of the difference they can make.
“Let’s continue to look out for one another– it could save a life.”
Volunteers will be joined by Great Western Railway staff at stations around the south as part of the campaign, including Reading Station on Friday, March 10.
For more information about getting help, visit: samaritans.org
