· 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
