People encouraged to start conversations at North East train stations
Samaritans say 'Small Talk Saves Lives' if we think someone's not OK
Last updated 1st May 2025
We are being encouraged to start a simple conversation if we think someone is not OK at railway stations across the North East and Teesside.
It is part of Samaritans’ annual “Small Talk Saves Lives” campaign in partnership with Network Rail and British Transport Police.
It comes as figures show two-thirds (64%) of us admit to sometimes, or often, find ourselves struggling to cope.
Small Talk Saves Lives campaign
The newly released research shows 67% of us would appreciate someone checking on us, offering words of support if we found ourselves in this position.
Yet despite this, two-fifths (40%) admit to having avoided someone who didn't look OK because they were afraid of having to make small talk with them.
Among them 40% were worried their help would not be welcomed; one in three (35%) were worried they’d say the wrong thing and 30% say they weren’t sure what to say.
With nearly two in three (64%) saying they don’t currently have any go-to phrases to start small talk, Samaritans’ 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, says: "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.”
Launched in 2017, in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry, the nationwide campaign demonstrates how small talk can save lives.
Small Talk Saves Lives builds on the wider rail industry’s suicide prevention programme, which has seen over 31,000 rail staff and British Transport Police staff trained in suicide prevention, enabling them to identify and support people in need of help.
Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan, British Transport Police (BTP), adds: “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.
“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.”
For more information and tips, visit the Samaritan's website or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives.