As part of Samaritans’ latest Small Talk Saves Lives campaign, the charity has joined up Network Rail, British Transport Police, and the wider rail industry, to send the message that everyone has the potential to be a lifesaver by simply striking up a conversation.

The campaign follows new research by Samaritans that showed only 50% of UK adults would feel confident approaching and speaking to someone they didn’t know if they were concerned about them in public. The survey also revealed that as a nation, people are more comfortable behind a screen, as 33% would much prefer chatting on the phone with someone they didn’t know and 18% would prefer to use email compared with just 9% speaking face-to-face.

The top reasons given by those who said they wouldn’t feel confident approaching someone they didn’t know and was holding them back, 44% said they were worried the person wouldn’t welcome their approach, 29% said they worried they’d make things worse, and 25% said that not knowing what to say, was also a concern.

To get their message across, Samaritans is relaunching its Small Talk Saves Lives campaign to persuade people to trust their instincts and start a conversation if they think someone needs help on the railways or in other public settings.

As part of the launch, a new film is being released across digital and social media to persuade people that all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help set them on a path to recovery is a little small talk such as “where can I get a coffee?”

During the next few weeks, Samaritans volunteers will be hosting outreach events in stations around the network throughout the country. They will be speaking to passengers about the importance of small talk, and have myth-busting leaflets available to help ease any concerns they may have.

Anyone wishing to find out further information should visit the Samaritans website or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives

Julie Bentley, Samaritans CEO said: “It’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation with someone you don’t know in person, but at Samaritans, we know first-hand how life-changing that conversation could be.

“Suicidal thoughts are often temporary and there’s no evidence to suggest that you will make the situation worse – it’s about trusting your instincts, starting a conversation, and showing you care.

“We know it’s been a really challenging time for people’s mental health over the last few years, so we hope the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign builds that confidence and remind the public of the difference they can make. Let’s continue to look out for one another – it could save a life.”

Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “Everybody who uses the railway, passengers or staff, has the skills to be a lifesaver.

“Small Talk Saves Lives is about reminding us all that a little conversation can go a long way to help someone in crisis and divert their thoughts from suicide. I am ever so proud of our relationship with Samaritans and British Transport Police, and hope this next stage of the campaign helps educate more people on how they can potentially save a life.”

British Transport Police ACC Charlie Doyle, national strategic policing lead for suicide prevention, said: “Together with rail staff and members of the public, our officers continue to look out for vulnerable people and save lives.

“We know from experience that when someone is in distress, engaging them in conversation can make all the difference in that moment. If people don’t feel comfortable or safe to intervene, they can always tell a member of rail staff or a police officer, text British Transport Police on 61016 or call 999.”