Media centre

Monday 19 Dec 2005

LIFE-SAVING INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

Region & Route:

A new and potentially life-saving initiative has been set-up by Network Rail in partnership with the Samaritans to try and reduce suicides on the railway during the Christmas period, when statistics show there is an increase in the number of deaths. The Preston Safety and Operation team have worked in partnership with the Preston branch of the Samaritans to develop a poster, which will be located at all foot crossings and other railway access points in the Preston area. Gary Openshaw, General Manager (Preston) said: “The run-up to Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for some.  We hope that this initiative will help people, who may be in a desperate situation, to realise that there is always someone there to listen them.”      All posters, which have been funded by the Samaritans, will contain the Samaritans phone number and an exclusive reference number. If at any point this information is volunteered by the caller the Samaritans can get in touch with Network Rail Control and easily locate where the caller is if they require help. Mr Openshaw added: “The Samaritans is a wonderful organisation, which provides a valuable and much-needed telephone service, and we are extremely grateful to them for their support on this initiative. We hope it makes a real difference.”