Small talk saves lives say Samaritans

Samaritans - Small Talk Saves Lives

Samaritans in Rochdale will be talking to commuters at Rochdale train station on Friday 9 November to encourage the public to act if they notice someone who may be at risk.

A new phase of the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign, launched by Samaritans in partnership with British Transport Police (BTP), Network Rail and the wider rail industry this week, 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, Janet Murphy, who runs the Rochdale Oldham and district 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

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free in confidence any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, and the number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or email jo@samaritans.org or go to www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch where you can talk to one of their trained volunteers face to face.