Today, Monday, 10th October, is World Mental Health Day and the charity Samaritans is coming together with its rail partners Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), and London North Eastern Railway (LNER) to raise awareness of Samaritans’ emotional support services and to encourage rail users to look after their own and each other’s mental wellbeing.

To remind passengers of the support that is available and to encourage conversations about mental health and wellbeing, Samaritans volunteers will be available to offer emotional support to passengers at selected stations on the East Coast Main Line from London King’s Cross to Durham,

At London King’s Cross, Potters Bar, Hitchin, Stevenage, Hatfield, Peterborough, Durham and Doncaster, in-station cafes will be handing out 10,000 branded Samaritans cups to commuters with their purchased hot drinks that feature inspirational quotes from the charity’s ‘Real People, Real Stories’ campaign. Samaritans volunteers will also be on hand at London King’s Cross station to provide support.

The campaign is aimed at middle-aged men who are most at risk of suicide. It features real stories to encourage others to seek help by calling Samaritans. Throughout the day, Samaritans will be sharing useful content on its Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages, including tips on how to start a conversation with someone who may be struggling and ways to get in touch.

There is no need for anyone who is going through a tough time to have to face it alone. Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, 24/7, 365 days a year by calling 116 123, email [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org.

Anne-Marie Alderson, Samaritans Regional Development Lead for East Coast Main Line and North East, said: “We are so thankful to the rail industry for their support in helping us spread this important message on World Mental Health Day. We know it’s a really challenging time and this reminds people that there is somewhere they can turn. Samaritans has worked in partnership with the rail industry since 2010 to remind rail staff and the public that talking really can save lives – whether that’s with a friend, a colleague or Samaritans who are always there to listen without judgement, on 116 123 or [email protected]. No matter how big or small your problems feel, it is important to remember you are not alone.”

Ivy Yeung, Network Rail Customer Services and Performance Manager for the East Coast route, said: “World Mental Health Day is a fantastic opportunity to bring the conversation around mental health and wellbeing to the forefront. Thousands of passengers travel along the route every day, helping us to reach out to a wide range of people, whether that be someone on their way to the office, a student heading to their morning lecture, or people popping to the shops. We have a long-standing partnership with Samaritans and by working closely with them to spark conversations across the East Coast Main Line, we hope to raise awareness and remind people that the help and support is there, should they need it.”

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “At LNER we know just how important the work of Samaritans is, encouraging people to talk about their concerns and raising awareness about the support available. Starting a conversation with someone may really make a huge difference to them and we’re proud to support this important campaign.”

Laura Campbell, GTR’s Suicide Prevention Manager, said: “Mental Health is a year-round priority for GTR and we are thrilled to support the Samaritans in this initiative to remind people there is always somewhere to turn.”

The railway industry has a history of working with Samaritans. through Greater Anglia staff undergoing Samaritans training, suicide patrollers providing life-saving interventions, and Northern’s delay repay scheme giving Samaritans the ability to answer 600 more calls.