Swindon & District Samaritans are encouraging commuters at local train stations to act if they notice someone who may be at risk. The Small Talk Saves Lives campaign, launched by Samaritans in partnership with British Transport Police (BTP), Network Rail and the wider rail industry, is emphasising how each of us has all the experience we need to help save a life.
Small Talk Saves Lives was developed after research showed passengers could have a key role to play along with the thousands of rail staff and British Transport Police now trained by Samaritans in suicide prevention.
Samaritans volunteer, Darren Tee who also runs the Swindon & District Samaritans branch said: “Suicide is preventable and any one of us could have an opportunity to save a life. A phrase as simple as, ‘I can’t believe this weather’, could be enough to interrupt a person’s suicidal thoughts. Even if small talk doesn’t come naturally to you, if something doesn’t feel right, please try to start a conversation. There’s no evidence you’ll make things worse.”
Find out more about Small Talk Saves Lives at: www.samaritans.or/smalltalksaveslives. You can also support by following the campaign @samaritanscharity on Instagram or sharing the video on Twitter @samaritans, or Facebook at www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity, using the hashtag #SmallTalkSavesLives.
Swindon Samaritans are always looking for new volunteers and if you feel that you might be able to help, either call (01793 526430) or e-mail samsrecruitment@btconnect.com to discuss how best you can make a difference.
Very quietly the NHS for our area is once again being reorganised
