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Tuesday 21 Feb 2023

East Midlands stations back Samaritans campaign to show how small talk can save lives

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Midlands

• Derby, Nottingham and Bedford stations are among those supporting Samaritans’ Small Talk Saves Lives campaign with events to empower passengers to start a conversation if they see someone who needs help
• Only around 45% of people in the East Midlands feel confident approaching someone they are concerned about in public
• New campaign film launches today to reassure the public that a little small talk like ‘where can I get a coffee?’ can set someone on a path to recovery

Derby, Nottingham and Bedford are among stations backing Samaritans’ latest campaign, with volunteers on hand this February and March to show passengers how a little small talk could save someone’s life.

The new Small Talk Saves Lives campaign comes after new research from Samaritans revealed that just 45% of people in the East Midlands would feel confident approaching and speaking to someone they don’t know if they were concerned about them in public.

People in the East Midlands thought that the best ways to strike up conversation with a stranger would be:

• Give them a smile (42%)
• Make eye contact (29%)
• Say ‘Excuse me’ (25%)
• Ask a question (21%)
• Make a comment about something that catches your eye (e.g. they have a pet or are holding a bunch of flowers) (20%)

Network Rail and Samaritans volunteers will be on hand at events throughout February and March to speak to passengers about the new campaign, highlight the power of conversation and provide myth busting leaflets to give people the confidence to approach people who might need help.

Volunteers will be at:

• Luton station on Thursday 23 February
• Nottingham station on Monday 27 February
• Bedford station on Tuesday 28 February and Saturday 4 March
• Flitwick station on Wednesday 8 March
• Loughborough station on Saturday 11 March
• Derby station (date to be confirmed)

Elisha Allen, East Midlands Community Safety Manager for Network Rail 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.

“Thousands of people take the train across the East Midlands every day, so if you’re travelling through one of the stations, please stop and have a chat with our volunteers.”

Samaritans is launching an emotional new campaign film today (Tuesday 21 February) in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry to reassure the public that a little small talk like ‘where can I get a coffee?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help set them on a path to recovery.

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. 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 remind the public of the difference they can make. Let’s continue to look out for one another – it could save a life.”

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 remind people how to look out for one another, whilst equipping people with techniques to approach a potentially vulnerable person using the railway network.” 

For more information and tips, visit Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives

ENDS