Network Rail marks 15 years of Samaritans partnership
Network Rail Wales & Borders and Samaritans are marking 15 years of partnership, with a 5.6 per cent increase in life-saving interventions reported across the rail network.
The announcement comes on World Suicide Prevention Day, as both organisations urge the public to recognise signs of distress near the railway and know how to act safely.
Over the past year, 128 interventions were recorded by British Transport Police across the Wales and Borders network, carried out by rail staff, BTP officers, local police and members of the public.
Since the partnership began in 2010, more than 31,000 rail employees and British Transport Police officers across Britain have been trained in suicide prevention techniques through the Samaritans’ ‘Managing Suicidal Contacts’ course. In Wales and Borders alone, there are now more than 300 trained mental health first aiders.
Louise McNally, Network Rail’s suicide prevention lead, said: “The number of life-saving interventions on the railway has doubled since the partnership first began in 2010, a powerful demonstration of the impact of our partnership with Samaritans across the rail network. Don’s story is a reminder that the railway is not just a place of work or travel, but also a community where small acts of compassion can truly save lives.
“Our Rail Suicide Prevention Programme helps the entire industry to respond effectively to people in distress, while also providing invaluable support to staff involved in these difficult incidents.”
Dave Brown, Head of rail programme at Samaritans, said: “Since 2010, Network Rail and Samaritans have been working together to ensure that fewer people die by suicide on the rail. As demonstrated in Don’s story, we know that 67 per cent of people in the UK would appreciate someone checking on them, offering words of support, if they were struggling to cope.
“As part of our partnership we equip both rail staff and the public with the confidence to approach someone they may think is in distress. By doing this, they could save a life.”
Network Rail encourages anyone struggling with their mental health, or who knows someone in need of support, to contact Samaritans by calling 116 123 or visiting www.samaritans.org
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