YOUR WORDS ARE A LIFE-SAVING KIT

London Bridge station hosts ‘The Power of Words Exhibition’– celebrating people who have saved lives by using small talk

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’ Small Talk Saves Lives campaign, in partnership with Network Rail and British Transport Police, launches as over half of UK adults (67%) would appreciate someone checking on them, offering words of support, if they were struggling to cope

To mark the launch of Small Talk Saves Lives, a campaign launched by Samaritans in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry,  London Bridge station is hosting a special exhibition display for the next month. ‘The Power of Words’, created by visual artist Chris Bishop celebrates people who have saved lives by using small talk.

New research released by Samaritans reveals over half of UK adults (67%) would appreciate someone checking on them, by offering words of support, if they were struggling to cope.

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 – as two in five (44%) say they find themselves struggling to cope.

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.

Gary Campbell is one person profiled in the exhibition and knows all about the power of words, after receiving suicide prevention training during his time working in the rail industry.

Gary said: “Once, I stopped a man who I could see was upset. He opened up about his struggles and we talked about his love of fishing. I connected him with a support group and he later told me I had saved his life.

“My advice is simple, trust your instincts. That one person checking in can go a long way.”

With nearly two in three people (64% 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.”

To support the campaign this year, acclaimed poet Hussain Manawer has created a dedicated poem entitled ‘The Words You Carry’ – highlighting the positive effect of small talk.

Hussain said: “As a poet, I know the power of words and the impact they can have so I am delighted to create this poem to raise awareness for the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign. Poetry has helped my mental health so much, by expressing myself in this way I’m able to better understand some of the thoughts within my mind. The words I write, they’re things that just came out of me, like having a conversation with myself. I find this can be a starting point to having conversations with others, which really can save lives.”

Small Talk Saves Lives builds on the wider rail industry’s suicide prevention programme, which has seen Samaritans, in partnership with Network Rail, train over 31,000 rail staff and British Transport Police in suicide prevention, enabling them to identify and support people in need of help.

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.”

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “Every journey should be a safe one, and we all have a role to play in looking out for each other. We are proud to support Samaritans, Network Rail, and British Transport Police in equipping the public with the confidence to spot when someone is struggling and reach out, which can and will save lives.”

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