Over half of UK adults would appreciate someone checking on them if they were struggling to cope, according to research by mental health charity Samaritans. In fact, more than two in five adults say they find themselves struggling to cope.
Small talk saves lives
The findings come as we partner with Samaritans alongside British Transport Police and the wider rail industry to launch the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign.Together, we want to encourage you to start a simple conversation if you think someone doesn’t look okay on the railway and any other public place.
The research found 40% of people admit to avoiding someone who didn’t look okay because they’re afraid of making small talk with them. From this group, 30% said they weren’t sure what to say. And over a third said they worry their help wouldn’t be welcome.
But small talk is no small thing and we’re all better at it than we think.
A film to remind you of the importance of small talk
The Small Talk Saves Lives campaign film reminds you that you already have a life-saving kit when it comes to saving a life – your words.
Watch the film to see the difference you can make by starting a simple conversation with someone who doesn’t look okay and is struggling to cope.
Find it here: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/railway-safety-campaigns/suicide-prevention-campaigns/
An exhibition at London Bridge station
You can also catch a special exhibition at London Bridge station from today Tuesday 4 March until Friday 4 April.
The Power of Words exhibition is created by the artist Chris Bishop and celebrates people who have saved lives by using small talk.
Gary Campbell is one person featured in the exhibition. Gary knows all about the power of words after receiving suicide prevention training while working on the railway.
Gary said: “Once, I stopped a man who I could see was upset. He opened up about his struggles and we talked about his love of fishing. I connected him with a support group and he later told me I had saved his life.
“My advice is simple, trust your instincts. That one person checking in can go a long way.”
The power of small talk
Nearly two in three people say they currently don’t have any go-to phrases to start small talk. But Samaritans wants to remind you that saying even a few words will mean a lot to those struggling to cope.
Olivia Cayley, head of the rail programme at Samaritans, said: “We know that people can worry about saying the wrong thing or feel like it’s not their place to step in, but it’s always better to say something than to say nothing at all.
“A little small talk and a simple question like ‘Hey, are you alright?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s negative thoughts.”
Training railway staff
The Small Talk Saves Lives campaign builds on the suicide prevention programme.
The rail industry and British Transport Police have been working with Samaritans since 2010 to reduce suicides on the railway. The programme has helped train over 31,000 rail staff and British Transport Police in suicide prevention, allowing them to recognise and support people in need of help.
Sir Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “We can all have good days and bad days and that’s why it’s so important to look out for one another. This campaign is a powerful reminder for all who use the railway, passengers or staff, that small talk can be lifesaving.
“I’m so proud we’re able to join Samaritans and British Transport Police once again to inform the public that starting a little conversation can go a long way to help someone in need of support.”
Assistant chief constable Sean O’Callaghan, British Transport Police, said: “Our number one priority at BTP is to protect vulnerable people from harm, and with just a few words you can help us. From experience, we know that making small talk at the right time can really be enough to save someone’s life, but if you don’t feel comfortable or safe to intervene, please tell a member of rail staff or a police officer. You can text British Transport Police on 61016 or call 999.”
Find more information and tips by visiting Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives. Or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org
