Passengers travelling through Birmingham New Street Station will be given information on how they could play a part in saving lives.
Volunteers from the Samaritans will be highlighting the charity’s Small Talk Saves Lives campaign on Saturday (25th February).
It comes after figures revealed 50% of people in the West Midlands said they wouldn’t feel confident approaching and speaking to someone in public if they were concerned about their welfare.
A team from Network Rail and the Samaritans will hand out leaflets and speak to passengers about how they can support others.
Steven Ireland, Network Rail’s central route head of stations and customer relations, said: “We’re really proud to be working alongside the Samaritans volunteers to empower our passengers to look out for one another and have the confidence to strike up a conversation if someone needs support.
“If you’re travelling through one of the stations, please stop and have a chat with our volunteers.”
The Samaritans has launched a campaign film to reassure the public that a little small talk can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help set them on a path to recovery.
Julie Bentley, CEO at Samaritans, said: “It’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation with someone you don’t know in person, but at the 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.”
For more information on the campaign visit Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives.
