A rail company serving Dorset has teamed up with Samaritans to remind people that we all have the potential to be lifesavers by striking up a conversation.

Great Western Railway (GWR), which runs trains from Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads, has joined forces with Samaritans’ for the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign.

Research reveals that only 50 per cent of UK adults said they would feel confident approaching and speaking to someone they don’t know if they were concerned about them in public.

The campaign aims to empower the public to trust their instincts and start a conversation if they think someone needs help.

As part of the launch, a new film reassures the public that a little small talk like ‘where can I get a coffee?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help set them on a path to recovery.

GWR Train Managers – mother and daughter Carol and Kim Hellyer – are helping to front the campaign, sharing their experiences about how they intervened to save lives. 

Samaritans is working in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry to promote Small Talk Saves Lives, with volunteers heading to stations across the GWR network to highlighting the power of talking and providing myth-busting leaflets.

Julie Bentley, Samaritans CEO, said: “It’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation with someone you don’t know in person, but at 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 reminds the public of the difference they can make. Let’s continue to look out for one another – it could save a life.”

Ruth Busby, People and Transformation Director (Regional) for Great Western Railway and Network Rail Wales and Western, said: “We’re really proud to be working in partnership with Samaritans again to help raise awareness of the power of small talk. We’ve worked with Samaritans since 2010 to encourage life-saving conversations with both our staff and the public. It’s so important we continue to look out for one another, as we all have the simple skills which could save a life.”

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