Day: March 5, 2025

Who Cares?

BBC ALBA EXPLORES CHALLENGES IN SCOTLAND’S CARE SECTOR IN LATEST EÒRPA EPISODE

The care sector in Scotland continues to struggle to find and keep staff. Reporter Màiri Riddoch travels through the Western Isles and the Highlands to meet carers, service users, bosses and politicians to learn about the challenges faced in these areas in the new BBC ALBA documentary, Eòrpa: Who Cares?

After being granted access to a number of care-homes in the public and independent sectors, as well as home-delivered care, Màiri hears how an ageing population and dwindling proportion of young people are putting the care system at risk of failure.

She also meets carers who speak of the immensely rewarding and enjoyable nature of an albeit challenging, and at time heartbreaking, job.

As one resident puts it to her carer: “Where would I be without you?”.

Delayed discharge from hospitals is a problem throughout Scotland, with a daily average of 2,000 patients waiting to get out of hospitals despite being medically fit. A lack of capacity in the care sector is a major contributory factor.

Speaking at the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, NHS Western Isles chief executive Gordon Jamieson explains that a shortage of care staff is causing real difficulties in moving people from hospitals into the community.

Gordon says: “Today for example, there are 16 delayed discharges in this hospital, there are four delayed discharges in the Uist and Barra hospital. It’s over 30% of the beds available in this hospital.

“And the knock-on effect of that is that we may not be able to take in people for elective operations because the beds are unfortunately occupied, despite everybody’s best efforts, by people who can’t get out to the right place in the community.

“I think one of the main issues for us is the steady population decline in the Western Isles. It’s probably one of, if not the, most significant risk that the system fails.”

Across the Minch in Mallaig, Màiri meets Shanna Eddie, deputy manager at the NHS-run Mackintosh Centre care home.

The facility was forced to close in summer 2023 due to a lack of staff. It re-opened in November last year, something that was welcomed greatly by the community, residents and staff alike.

Recalling the closure in 2023, Shanna comments: “It was like everything had been ripped out from underneath you. We had six permanent residents at the time, and it was worrying about where they were going to go, how the families were going to cope, how their daily lives were going to be affected.

“We had some residents whose family didn’t drive. And for them to then be relocated 40 miles up the road to Fort William cut down greatly on their daily visits that they used to get from various family members over the course of a week.”

Many of Scotland’s residential care homes are run by independent providers, often charities or private companies.

Fairburn House in Muir of Ord, around 20 miles northwest of Inverness, has been in Susan Davison’s family for over 40 years: “We are quite rural, so that causes its own difficulties.

“We’re not on a bus route, so that again causes difficulty. And over the last while, it’s been much more difficult because there’s just not people coming for interviews or anything like that.”

Reporter Màiri Riddoch reflects on her report: “It was a privilege to have the opportunity to film inside care homes and in people’s own homes, speak to staff and to those receiving care. I wanted to shine a light on the sector and help highlight what an important and rewarding job it can be, one which I feel is often undervalued.

“Our ageing population combined with a declining working age population, particularly in the Islands and rural Highlands, brings the problem of recruitment into even sharper focus. This is something our elected representatives will need to grapple with for years to come.”

Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a variety of domestic and European stories.

Eòrpa: Who Cares? will premiere on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on Wednesday 12 March (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

Panda & Sons and Grey Goose team up to launch Edinburgh’s hottest new cocktail trend

MEET 2025’S HOTTEST LITTLE TREND: THE GREY GOOSE® TINY ‘TINI

In 2025, small is the new big, with tiny drinks and shareable plates stealing hearts and dominating menus – the iconic vodka martini cocktail is joining the trend.

Set to lead a ‘Martineissance’ in 2025 – the GREY GOOSE® Vodka Tiny ‘Tini is predicted to open the doors of the martini cocktail to a brand-new era of cocktail lovers.

 In case you hadn’t heard, the vodka martini cocktail is making a stylish comeback, blending timeless elegance with new bartender creativity to suit every taste. But for some, the classic martini cocktail can feel like a bit ‘too intimidating’.  

Introducing the new GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini. Partnering with renowned cocktail bars across London, Manchester and Edinburgh, the iconic vodka brand has worked with bars to introduce a flight of miniature GREY GOOSE vodka martini cocktails – perfectly chilled, perfectly sized, and perfect for social occasions.  

Tapping into the increasing trends of moderation, flavour exploration and accessible luxury, the GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini makes vodka martini cocktails more approachable, proving that great things really do come in small packages. 

The ‘small and mini’ trend is showing no signs of slowing down for 2025 either – with more and more people developing a fascination for craftsmanship, where intricate, miniature designs are admired for their artistry, attention to detail – and flavour. 

Lexa Ulijaszek, UK Ambassador for GREY GOOSE commented: “When it comes to the vodka martini cocktail, size does matter for some. Sometimes a full-sized martini cocktail can be a little bit too intimidating.

“Or over the course of great conversation between friends, the final sip of your drink may not be as superbly chilled or balanced in taste as the beginning. As a result, the offer of a ‘sip sized cocktail’ is gaining traction across many of the UK’s most influential bars.”  

“A sip size GREY GOOSETiny ‘Tini is the perfect solution – beautifully crafted, expertly chilled, elegantly served- with rich taste. A flight of three petite drinks allows you to responsibly enjoy the perfection of the ‘first sip’ of a martini cocktail while also experiencing a range of unique flavours. 

“The trend is very much a UK-wide affair, with some of the best bars across Manchester, Edinburgh and London all serving the GREY GOOSETiny ‘Tini – ushering in a brand new and bold ‘sip sized’ era for the vodka martini cocktail.” 

Set to lead a ‘Martineissance’ in 2025 – the GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini is predicted to open the doors of the martini cocktail to a whole new generation of cocktail lovers.  

Flights of GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini’s range £12 to £25 and will be available across London (A Bar with Shapes for a Name, and Lobby bar at The London EDITION), Manchester (Blinker) and Edinburgh (Panda & Sons) for a limited time. 



Where to sip a GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini:

(Subject to availability. We suggest reservations where possible to avoid disappointment. All pricing set by the venues and subject to change).

Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

79 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 4NF 

£18 

Reserve online at: Panda & Sons

Available March 1, through April 30.

A Bar with Shapes for a Name, London

232 Kingsland Rd, Whitmore Estate, London E2 8AX 

£21 

Reserve online at: home | club bauhaus

Available March 1, through April 30.

The Lobby Bar at The London EDITION  

10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP 

£25 

Reserve online at: The London EDITION Lobby Bar | Soho London Bar & Cocktail Bar

Available March 3, through April 30.

Blinker, Manchester

64-72 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ 

£12 for flight of 3, or £4.50 for a single miniature cocktail 

Reserve online at: Blinker

Available March 1, through April 30

SCSC: New figures highlight 145 children waiting more than a year for mental health treatment

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has raised concerns that 145 children and young people have been waiting more than a year for mental health treatment.

These figures were highlighted in the latest waiting time statistics from Public Health Scotland published yesterday (4th March), indicating that 145 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the quarter ending December 2024.1 

This is an increase from 115 in the previous quarter ending September 2024.

In addition, 4,362 children and young people were waiting to start treatment at quarter ending December 2024, which is an increase of 3.1 per cent (131) compared to 4,231 in the previous quarter

On a more positive note, 90.6 per cent of children and young people started treatment within 18 weeks of referral. The Scottish Government target, dating from December 2014, states that 90 per cent of children and young people should start treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS. This has been achieved for the first time.

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with under-resourced services struggling to keep pace with growing demand, leaving an increasing number of vulnerable individuals unable to access support

However, it should be noted that despite this greatly increased demand, only 0.82 per cent of the total frontline NHS budget was spent on CAMHS in the 2023/24 financial year, amounting to £134.188 million (real terms). This equates to just 82p in every £100 of the NHS budget. 

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that 145 children and young people have been waiting over a year for mental health treatment is extremely alarming.

“We are facing a mental health emergency, and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels as they battle with the long shadow of lockdown and the rising cost of living.

“This is also having a major effect on classroom behaviour, impacting the young people concerned, their fellow pupils and staff.

“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the Scottish Government ensure the adequate resourcing of mental health services for our children and young people so that they can get the care and support they need, without lengthy waits.”

Edinburgh awarded Tree Cities of the World status for its leading work in urban forestry

The Tree Cities of the World programme has recognised 27 UK ‘Tree Cities’, for their dedication to protecting and cherishing their urban tree canopy. All UK nations are represented, with Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff leading the way outside of multiple towns and cities across England.

The winning cities join an international network of 210 Tree Cities across 24 countries. Tree Cities of the World is a programme co-founded in 2019 by The Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest non-profit dedicated to planting trees, and the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

To earn Tree Cities of the World recognition, cities must meet five core standards; have clear responsibility for tree care, set official tree management rules, update an inventory of local tree resource, allocate a dedicated tree planting budget, and hold an annual tree celebration event with the community.

Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, says: “Now more than ever, trees are essential to creating healthier, more resilient cities and towns.

“This global community of leaders is driving innovation and excellence in urban forestry—with cities in the UK leading the way through bold policies, community-driven initiatives, and a deep commitment to expanding and protecting urban forests.”

Cardiff Council has renewed its status for three consecutive years, commended for their Coed Caerdydd (Cardiff Forest) project. A response to the climate emergency, this project recently saw its 100,000th tree planted since launching in 2021, all trees having been planted with the help of the community.

Doncaster’s Tree City of the World status is testament to the council’s mission to plant one million trees across the city by 2031, with just under 300,000 trees having been planted and celebrated so far.

Ipswich Borough Council are currently planting a new woodland, featuring 2,500 trees of 20 different species, remarkably in a stag beetle-shape as a nod to its stag beetle-friendly deadwood habitat features.

Sarah Culshaw, Wildlife and Education Ranger at Ipswich Borough Council says: “We are immensely proud to have been recognised as a Tree City of the World for the last three years.

“The scheme is a great way to show our residents that we are passionate about effective urban tree management and recognise the hard work of our dedicated teams. Our trees are a huge part of our town, helping to reduce the heat island effect, create lush open spaces for engagement with nature and reduce the impact of climate change.”

Environmental charity Trees for Cities leads the promotion of Tree Cities of the World in the UK, currently partnering with 12 of the celebrated cities to facilitate their tree planting efforts.

Kate Sheldon, CEO at Trees for Cities, says: “Trees for Cities is proud to lead Trees Cities of the World in the UK, recognising real value in heralding towns and cities that set high standards in urban forestry.

“Trees offer immense benefits for our health and well-being, and are one of our best nature-based solutions adapting our cities to climate change. Trees—and their champions—deserve to be celebrated!”

In early March, The Arbor Day Foundation and Trees for Cities will meet in London to discuss opportunities to strengthen the growing international network of Tree Cities. The complete list of recognised Tree Cities of the World is available on www.treecitiesoftheworld.org

It’ll Cost You: A Decade of Deterring Underage Drinking!

A community campaign to tackle underage drinking reaches its tenth anniversary this year when it will once again aim to deter adults buying alcohol for children.

The ‘It’ll Cost You’ initiative has run nationally across Scotland for the last three years and will continue in summer 2025. Evaluations of the previous campaigns have shown a steady increase in awareness about the implications of supplying alcohol to minors, but it remains an issue with 8 detections being made during the course of the 2024 campaign.

It is an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18. This is known as proxy purchase and can result in a fine, imprisonment or both.

The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign is a collaboration between Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and Community Alcohol Partnerships and aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.

This year’s campaign will run from Monday 30 June to Monday 11 August across Scotland.

Joanne McEwan, Policing Together Superintendent, said: “The multi-agency proxy purchase campaign is an important annual initiative, which helps us raise awareness of the consequences associated with providing alcohol to young people.

“Purchasing alcohol for anyone under the age of 18 is a criminal offence and you risk a fine, imprisonment, or both if you are caught doing so.

“Safeguarding young people from harm is part of our Chief Constable’s commitment to building safer communities and we will continue to work with partners to tackle underage drinking.”

Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Retailers are committed to reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

“This campaign ties in with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”

Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership Coordinator, said: ““The campaign gives us an opportunity to carry the “It’ll Cost You” resources and messaging in local communities, highlighting the dangers of buying alcohol for young people.

“We look forward to working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers to make sure that this messaging is carried through all our engagement activity this summer.”

Siobhian Brown MSP, Community Safety Minister said: “It is illegal for adults to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for under 18s and I welcome this campaign which is a good example of partners working together to stop the practice.

“People may feel they are doing no harm, but buying alcohol for underage young people risks them becoming vulnerable through alcohol or contributing to anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

Scottish retail workers speak out after Usdaw survey shows the impact of retail crime in the region

Retail trade union Usdaw has today (5 March) released shocking statistics from its annual survey showing that abuse and threats against shop workers continue to grow, with violence remaining at double pre-pandemic levels.

The increase in incidents comes during an epidemic of retail crime.

Usdaw’s survey of 1,011 Scottish retail staff found that in the last twelve months (national average):

  • 70% have experienced verbal abuse (77%).
  • 45% were threatened by a customer (53%).
  • 8% were assaulted (10%).

Full report: www.usdaw.org.uk/FFFReport2024

Scottish voices from the frontline: These are some of the comments Scottish shop workers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

Central Scotland: “Punched in the shoulder and verbal abuse – being called names and sworn at.” – “Shouted at for tills not working.” – “Customer tried to grab my face.” – “Colleague got stabbed with screwdriver.” – I get deliberately misgendered.”

Glasgow: “Daily verbal abuse even when asking customers to scan their bags.” – “Held up at knifepoint.” – “Couple stole jars of coffee, asked for them back and they smashed a jar of coffee on my head.” – “Punched on chin and chest.”

Highlands and Islands: “Threatened with a bottle after customer stole beer.” – “Aggression over being asked for ID, unwanted sexual attention.” – “Customer came behind cash desk and was in my face, telling me she’d be waiting on me.”

Lothian: “Racially abusive statements made to me and about me.” – “Grabbed by the scruff of my work jacket and shook me whilst yelling I had ruined their son’s Christmas because we were out of a specific chocolate.” – “Being called a bitch.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife: “Men following to the car.” – “Customers unhappy with self-service. Shouting at me or talking in a bad way.” – “Customers being volatile when you will not sell them age-restricted items due to no ID.”

North East Scotland: “Theft and threatening behaviour towards myself or my colleagues is a daily occurrence. Worst I have experienced.” – “Referred to as a bloody shelf stacker.” – “Customers shouting at you pushing trollies into you.”

South Scotland: “Kick up the bum by customer.” – “Customers grabbing my waist, pulling my hair, grabbing my shoulder/arms/legs, telling me they stalk me, telling me to meet them after work, making sexual comments toward me.”

West Scotland: “Called a f**kng moron because I was pulling a trolley on the shop floor.” – “Drunk football fans – alcohol purchase rejection – backed against wall poked in the eye – grabbed by others in the group preventing me from alerting security.”

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “Scottish retail workers suffer far too many incidents of violence, abuse and threats. No-one should feel afraid to go to work, but our evidence shows that too many retail workers are.

“It is shocking that over three-quarters of our members working in retail are being abused, threatened and assaulted for simply doing their job and serving the community. They provide an essential service and deserve our respect and the protection of the law.

“Scotland has had a protection of shop workers law in place since 2021, after Labour’s Daniel Johnson MSP promoted the legislation, and it has already been used in around 10,000 incidents.

“We continue to work with retailers, the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to help ensure that legislation is fully utilised and that retail workers receive the protection and respect they deserve”.

Utilita Energy Hub supports campaign to save Pilmeny Development Project

High street hub welcomes PDP committee members to its free Community Room – and don’t miss your chance to win this month’s hub raffle prizes

Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at the Leith Energy Hub, and her dedicated team are looking forward to welcoming the Pilmeny Development Project (PDP) management committee members to the hub’s Community Room on Friday, 7 March. 

PDP is facing a loss of funding which will mean closure of its services to socially isolated older people in Leith Walk, Leith Wards and North East Edinburgh.

The Utilita Hub’s Energy Experts have worked with the PDP for several years, ever since they began using the Community Room to help those being digitally excluded during the pandemic.

Keen to encourage others to make use of the hub’s facilities, Natasha said: “Our Community Room provides local groups and charities with a free and safe space for them to hold meetings or community events – with complimentary WiFi and refreshments available. 

“Whilst we fully appreciate that times are tough and that difficult funding decisions have to be made, we also recognise the important work that Pilmeny Development Project does to protect vulnerable, local, older people. Our shared aim of helping the local community makes using the Community Room an obvious venue choice for PDP.

“Whether you’re running a literacy class, a knitting circle, or gathering for a community event, please do get in touch to find out more about the hub’s meeting room facilities.”

Tackling food and fuel poverty

Hub visitors will have the chance to enter this month’s Utilita Leith Energy Hub’s Kids and Adults prize raffles – with the prize winners being revealed on Red Nose Day (Friday, 21 March).  This year’s Red Nose Day event will focus on supporting those in need during the current cost of living crisis, shining a spotlight on issues like food and fuel poverty.

Utilita’s charitable partner, Utilita Giving, is dedicated to alleviating and preventing the hardship caused by fuel and food poverty while raising public awareness about this critical issue.

Natasha added: “We would like to wish all our hub visitors good luck in this month’s Kids and Adults prize raffles – by taking part you’ll be helping us to raise awareness of food and fuel poverty. 

“The Kids prize hamper includes toys, Teddy Bears, sweets, as well as art and craft items. The prize up for grabs by their grown-ups is a 3.5L slow cooker, with a packet of slow cooker liners.

“There’s also a Tombola coming soon, so be sure to visit the Leith Energy Hub for your chance to win craft goods, chocolates and gift sets.”

Open to all

Utilita Energy Hubs are high street locations where customers can top up their accounts, check their balances, and get energy-saving advice – based not just in Edinburgh but also Gosport, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Luton, Derby, West Bromwich, Sheffield, Leicester, Blackburn, Huddersfield and Hartlepool.

The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA. See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.

International Women’s Day at Corstorphine Community Centre

International Women’s Day Saturday 8th March. Calling all women, pop in and join us for a day of inspirational Speakers, crafty bits n pieces, cake and coffee, collective art making, as well as making our voices heard to “Accelerate Action” the theme for 2025 IWD.

#internationalwomensday 

#AccelerateAction 

#women 

#womensupportingwomen 

#corstorphine

#JoinUs 

#womeninbusiness 

#womenshealth

#CorstorphineCommunityCentre

How could Holyrood committees work more effectively?

How could our committees work more effectively?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1896867127790887245

The Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee is looking at what changes need to be made to ensure that these can deliver their key role in holding the government to account.

Ensuring committees are structured and equipped to deliver their key role in holding the Scottish Government to account is being considered by the Scottish Parliament’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.

The inquiry will look at issues such as the size of membership, remit of committees and the impact, if any, of introducing elected conveners. It will also explore how committees evaluate their work and the approaches to pre and post legislative scrutiny.

Now the Committee has launched two call for views so that those who engage with committees can have their say on what changes need to be made.

Speaking as the call for views launched, Committee Convener Martin Whitfield MSP said: “The Scottish Parliament is a relatively young legislature. But that does not mean that we do not need to reflect on our practices and procedures to make sure they are meeting the needs of the Scotland in which we find ourselves today.

“Committees play an essential role in the work of the Parliament. Scrutinising legislation and holding the Government to account are vital. But we want to know if there are changes that need to be made to make these work more effectively.

“We know, for example, that elected conveners are in place in other parliaments in the UK and beyond, but what impact might they make at Holyrood? And would changes to the remits structure and size of committees have an impact on how they do their work.

“We want to hear from you if you have worked with or given evidence to a committee about what practices and procedures you think needs to change.”

Committee effectiveness is about looking at how committees work and whether there are things which could help them work better.

The Committee will consider three themes a part of its inquiry:

  • Structure
  • Elected Conveners
  • Evaluation

The Committee is expected to hold oral evidence sessions over the next three months and publish its report with findings and recommendations in the autumn.  

More information can be found on the Committee’s webpage.

The call for views is open until 22 April 2025.

Have your say: https://ow.ly/68wF50Va33O

Samaritans Scotland: Small Talk Saves Lives

·       Samaritans’ Small Talk Saves Lives campaign, in partnership with Network Rail and British Transport Police, launches as over half of adults in Scotland (68%) would appreciate someone checking on them, offering words of support, if they were struggling to cope

·       New campaign film reminds the public that when it comes to saving a life, you already have a life-saving kit available to you – your words

·       Samaritans branches across Scotland are holding pop-up events at railway stations across the country to raise awareness of the campaign.

New research released by Samaritans reveals over half of adults in Scotland (68%) 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, ScotRail, 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.

Of respondents in Scotland, nearly half (38%) admit to avoiding someone who didn’t look OK because they were afraid of making small talk with them.

From this group, 23% said they weren’t sure what to say, while 42% 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.

Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, Neil Mathers, said: “We can’t underestimate the power of our words when it comes to supporting someone who’s struggling. Our words really matter and could save a life.

“Small Talk Saves Lives is a campaign to empower people to start a conversation with somebody if they are worried about them or feel something isn’t quite right. We want to help people turn everyday conversations into moments that matter.”

Samaritans volunteers are holding a number of events at railway stations across Scotland between 4th and 25th of March, including pop-up stalls to provide information and engage with people who want to find out more about how to start these conversations.”

Ross Cunningham, representative on Samaritans Scotland’s Lived Experience Advisory Group, said: “From my own experience, I can’t emphasise enough how much talking helped in my own recovery from suicidal thoughts and depression

“When I went through a severe depression it felt extremely lonely, like I was the only person going through what I was. Speaking to others helped me put things in perspective and by feeling heard it helped me feel like I wasn’t alone.

“If you’re worried about someone, please don’t hesitate in asking them how they’re doing and letting them know you’re there for them.”

With nearly two in three people in the UK (69% of the UK) saying they don’t currently have any go-to phrases to start small talk, Samaritans Head of the Rail Programme, Olivia Cayley, 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.”

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.”

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