Small Talk Saves Lives Campaign

The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership has joined Samaritans to remind the public that we all have the potential to be lifesavers by simply striking up a conversation, as part of Samaritans’ latest Small Talk Saves Lives campaign.

The new campaign comes after new research from Samaritans revealed:

• Only 50% of UK adults said they would feel confident approaching and speaking to someone they don’t know if they were concerned about them in public.
• People are more comfortable behind a screen as a nation, as people would much prefer chatting to someone they don’t know on the phone (33%) or by email (18%), compared to face-to-face (9%).

Of those who said they wouldn’t feel confident approaching someone they don’t know, the top reasons holding them back were:

• worrying the person wouldn’t welcome their approach (44%)
• worrying they’d make things worse (29%)
• not knowing what to say (25%)

In response to the findings Samaritans is relaunching its Small Talk Saves Lives campaign today, in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the UK rail industry, to empower the public to trust their instincts and start a conversation if they think someone needs help on the railways or in other public settings. As part of the launch, a new film published across digital and social media reassures 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.

In a campaign first, Samaritans volunteers will also be heading to local stations across the nation to host outreach events, speaking to passengers about the campaign, highlighting the power of talking and providing myth-busting leaflets to help ease any concerns they may have.

Julie Bentley, Samaritans CEO Samaritans 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.”

A spokesperson for the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partneship said from said:

“We’re really proud to be working in partnership with Samaritans again on this important campaign to help raise awareness of the power of small talk. We’ve worked with Samaritans for several years to encourage life-saving conversations, through campaigns like Brew Monday and by displaying posters at East Suffolk Lines stations. It’s very important that we continue to look out for one another. We all have the simple skills which could save a life.”

Launched in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives was developed after research showed the positive part the public could play in suicide prevention. The campaign is backed by suicide prevention expert Dr Lisa Marzano from Middlesex University.

She said: “In our latest research we spoke to those who had made and received interventions themselves and they really echoed the main Small Talk Saves Lives message. We heard how powerful it can be to use small talk or to ask simple questions, in a calm manner. We also found reassuring results around teamwork and the fact that you don’t have to manage this alone – you could speak to a member of staff or call 999 in an emergency too.”

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