“Your Words Are a Life-Saving Kit” Says Network Rail and Samaritans

New research released by Samaritans reveals over half of UK adults (67%) would appreciate someone checking on them, by offering words of support, if they were struggling to cope.

The findings come as Samaritans launches Small Talk Saves Lives, in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry. The campaign encourages people to start a simple conversation if they think someone doesn’t look OK on the railway network and other public settings – as more than two in five (44%) say they find themselves struggling to cope.   

Nearly half of respondents (40%) admit to avoiding someone who didn’t look OK because they were afraid of making small talk with them. From this group, 30% said they weren’t sure what to say, while over a third (35%) said they were worried their help would not be welcomed. But small talk is no small thing and we’re all better at it than we think.

A new campaign film has been released to remind the public that when it comes to saving a life you already have a life-saving kit available to you – your words.

To mark the launch of Small Talk Saves Lives, London Bridge station is hosting a special exhibition display. ‘The Power of Words’, created by the artist Chris Bishop, celebrates people who have saved lives by using small talk.

Gary Campbell is one person profiled in the exhibition and knows all about the power of words, after receiving suicide prevention training during his time working in the rail industry.  

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.”

With nearly two in three people (64% of the UK) saying they don’t currently have any go-to phrases to start small talk, Samaritans is reminding people that saying even a few words will mean a lot to those who are 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.”

Small Talk Saves Lives builds on the wider rail industry’s suicide prevention programme, which has seen Samaritans, in partnership with Network Rail, train over 31,000 rail staff and British Transport Police in suicide prevention, enabling them to identify 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 life-saving. 

“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 (BTP), 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.”

Rail minister Lord Hendy said, “Every journey should be a safe one, and we all have a role to play in looking out for each other. We are proud to support Samaritans, Network Rail, and British Transport Police in equipping the public with the confidence to spot when someone is struggling and reach out, which can and will save lives.”

Tristan Cavanagh, creative director at 23red commented, “Everyone, through the power of their words, has a lifesaving kit. It’s something anyone can do, so we hope that by encouraging everyone to realise they already have the tools to help someone in need, and how easy it is, we can increase their confidence to take that simple step.”

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