Could small talk stop people taking their own lives on Nottinghamshire railway lines?

Managers hope to cut the number of people dying on local railway lines – with a new campaign encouraging commuters to strike up conversations with people who appear at risk.

Official figures show that every 36 hours on the country’s railways, someone takes their own life.

And at least five people have died on railway lines in Nottinghamshire this year. Most recently a 45 year-old woman died near Bramcote on Saturday afternoon (November 11).

It came after a series of other incidents, including one where a man was was hit by a train near Attenborough station in June.

The ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’ campaign, launched this week, aims to give commuters the confidence to act if they notice someone who may be at risk of taking their own life, in or around a station.

Liz Pearson, Project Manager for Network rail hopes the campaign will save more lives across Nottinghamshire and Britain. Network figures state that for every one life lost, six lives are saved.

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“Every 36 hours is one too often and that is why we want people to ask that question,” she said.

There are around 16,000 railway staff trained in suicide prevention, and Ms Pearson added: “We have made an impact with the railway staff and now want passengers to work alongside our staff as the eyes and ears of the railway, helping us to keep everybody safe.”

The campaign states the warning signs include:

  • A person standing alone or isolated
  • A person acting strange or displaying unusual behaviour
  • Someone staying on the platform a long time without boarding a train
  • Someone walking to or sat near the edge of the platform
  • A person looking distant or withdrawn

Network Rail says a simple question can change a person’s suicidal thoughts. Examples include:

  • Talk about the weather
  • “Do you know what time the next train is?”
  • “Good Morning”, “Good Afternoon”
  • “How are you today?”
  • Asking someone what their name is or introducing yourself

If you do not feel comfortable – Network rail have said to ask a staff member, who is trained.

 

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