Greater Anglia employees who have completed a samaritans course are helping to save more and more lives on the railway.

Over 15,000 rail workers around the UK have completed Samaritans’ Managing Suicidal Contacts Course. This provides workers with the skills and confidence to support people on the railway.

In 2017, there were 60 interventions (around 5 a month) on the Greater Anglia network.

This figure has increased year on year, there were 37 interventions and in 2016, there was 43. This has coincided with a 17% reduction in suicides on the rail network since 2015.

Samaritans’ Managing Suicidal Contacts course takes one day and is specifically tailored to the employees working in the rail industry. It focuses on the benefits of short conversations with someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, and what to do to begin their recovery.

What did the officials say?

Jay Thompson, Head of Safety, Security and Sustainability at Greater Anglia, said: “The MSC course has been very useful for our colleagues. Incidents of this nature are very distressing for all involved. In October 2017 there were 14 interventions on our network – the highest number ever recorded. I commend all of our colleagues who have helped to save lives.

“We have recently welcomed rail pastors on to our network who will be patrolling the line between Colchester and Shenfield. They are an extension of the street pastors and are there help anyone who is vulnerable or in need of help. We will continue to work with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the Samaritans to reduce the number of lives lost on the railway.”

Samaritans Managing Suicidal Contacts trainer Rob Christopher said: “Our Managing Suicidal Contacts course provides delegates with a greater understanding of how someone can reach a point of crisis and gives them the skills to sensitively support that person by encouraging them to talk and knowing how to listen effectively. We know from experience that giving people the time and space to talk can make a real difference.”

• Visit the Greater Anglia website
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