Train Stations Support Samaritans Small Talk Saves Lives Campaign

Cara-Louise Scott Digital Editor

Content Warning: Reference to Suicide

Three major train stations in the West Midlands supported Samaritans’ new Small Talk Saves Lives campaign. Banbury station, Stafford station and Birmingham New Street station all had volunteers at their stations from February to March to show passengers how small talk could save someone’s life.

Recent research from Samaritans has revealed that 50% of people in the West Midlands ‘wouldn’t feel confident approaching and speaking to someone they don’t know if they were concerned about them in public.’

However, the research did give some ideas about starting a conversation. 37% of people in the West Midlands thought that the best way to start a conversation with a stranger would be to give them a smile. 29% said they would say ‘Excuse me’, 36% said they’d make eye contact, 20% would make a comment about the weather, and 17% would ask a question.

The Chief Executive Officer of Samaritans, Julie Bentley, said: ‘We know first-hand how lifechanging that conversation could be. There is no evidence to suggest that you will make the situation worse.’

Network Rail and Samaritans were both around at events across the country this March to speak to passengers about the new campaign, to highlight the importance of conversation and provide myth busting leaflets to make people more confident in speaking to people who might need help.

Recently appearing on TV screens, Samaritans launched a campaign film in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry. The video shows people that just a little small talk, like asking ‘where can I get a coffee?’, can be the thing it takes to stop someone’s suicidal thoughts and save their life.

Samaritans is a charity that provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, particularly those at risk of suicide. Small Talk Saves Lives launched in 2017 but has recently had more awareness due to the new video. Their aim is to raise awareness within railway stations and other public settings about how we need to trust our instincts and start a small conversation if we think someone might need help. This specific campaign ran from the 21st of February to the 12th of March 2023.

Network Rail’s Central route head of stations and customer relations, Steven Ireland, said: ‘We’re really proud to be working alongside Samaritans volunteers to empower our passengers to look out for one another and have the confidence to strike up a conversation if someone needs support.' He encouraged people who were travelling at the time of the campaign to 'please stop and have a chat with our volunteers.’

If you or someone you know needs to speak to Samaritans, you can call them on 116 123. They are also available through their website.