Samaritans launch campaign to save lives on railways
Behind the campaign is the message that, through the simple expedient of engaging in small talk, the public have the wherewithal to prevent suicide.
The campaign reminds the public that they already have the skills to start a conversation with someone who needs help, giving them the confidence to act. By trusting your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, a little small talk and a simple question such as, “Hello, what’s the time?” can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help start them on the journey to recovery. It could save a life.
Network Rail’s Dom Mottram (32) knows the importance of small talk after he experienced suicidal thoughts aged 19, and was considering taking his life when a lady approached him and asked him a question – her kindness “snapping him out of harming himself in the moment”. Dom has since helped others in a similar situation, both in and out of the rail environment.
Dom said: “I’m thankful for the ripple effect of that lady saving my life – without her stopping and checking if I was okay, I might not be here to now look out for and save others. I’m always on the lookout for anyone who might need help. If I see someone who looks out of place or a bit down, I often just go over and ask if they’re alright and try and bring them to a place of safety. Nine times out of ten the person is absolutely fine, but trusting my instincts and talking to that one person can make such a difference.
“It took me a long time before I spoke to anyone about that moment, but it was a wake-up call and I eventually got help from the university and my family. I’ve had my ups and downs with my mental health after that, but I’ve come a long way since my 19-year-old self and feel I know how to support my mental health now.
“I’d encourage everyone to talk about how they’re feeling and ask for help. It’s so true that small talk is enough to save someone’s life, just as it did for me, and it’s what I always try to do for others.”
Samaritans CEO Julie Bentley said: “We know that the pandemic has had a huge impact on the nation’s mental health and well-being, and even though restrictions are lifting, people are still struggling. It’s so important we look out for one another now more than ever, because suicide is preventable and it’s everybody’s business.
“How people act when they are struggling to cope is different for everyone; people may seem distant or upset, but suicidal thoughts are often temporary, so if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and try and start a conversation. Whether that’s on a journey home from work as we start to travel more, or someone you may pass in the street, any one of us could have an opportunity to save a life. Let’s start a conversation and work together to prevent suicide.”
Initially launched in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives was developed after research showed that passengers have a key role to play in suicide prevention. The latest phase of Small Talk Saves Lives has the backing from leading suicide prevention expert and psychologist, Associate Professor Lisa Marzano, from Middlesex University. Further new research from Marzano has confirmed that when asked, people with experience of suicidal thoughts said that verbal interventions, including small talk, providing reassurance and listening, are the most helpful things a person can do to respond to someone in a crisis.
The rail industry and British Transport Police (BTP) work in partnership with Samaritans to reduce suicides on the railway and support those affected by them. The suicide prevention programme includes training railway employees and BTP staff to look out for and offer support to people who may be considering suicide and working within the wider community to de-stigmatise suicidal thoughts and promote help-seeking behaviour. To date, almost 23,000 rail staff and BTP officers have received suicide prevention training.
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free, any time, from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, and the number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or email [email protected] or go to www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch where you can talk to one of our trained volunteers face to face.
Find out more about Small Talk Saves Lives at: www.samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives.