Once again this year, Network Rail is joining with British Transport Police and the wider rail industry in Samaritans’ campaign, to remind everyone that small talk can save lives.

The Small Talk Saves Lives campaign shows how the public can trust their instincts and start a conversation if they think someone needs help in railway stations and other public settings.

A simple thing such as ‘do you know where I can grab a cuppa?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and could help set them on the journey to recovery.

People might worry that their small talk might be interpreted as saying the wrong thing, but research shows that saying something is better than saying nothing.

Today, 22 February, Samaritans will be hosting its ‘Small Talk Salon’ at London King’s Cross station.

The thinking behind it is that 40 per cent of us engage in small talk at the hairdressers, and the salon with a twist, which is only open today, invites guests to drop in for a quick treatment and a chat.

Samaritans hope that by bringing hairdressers, barbers, and nail technicians to the station, people will have the chance to practise their small talk for themselves with the masters of small talk. Their conversations will hopefully leave them feeling better than before, and more confident in starting a conversation.

Bessie Matthews knows how powerful small talk can be. Whilst working as a train guard she spotted someone in need of help. She said: “Just that one little bit of positive small talk can go so far. They caught my eye because it was a lot of flitting around, looking around, looking at their phone. Deep down you’ve got all that adrenaline going and you’re thinking, ‘what should I say?’

“I had found something about what they were wearing, and it was a case of just going over and saying, ‘Oh, my goodness, I absolutely love what you’re wearing. Where have you got that from?’ It was just a short, sharp answer of ‘I don’t know.’

“That’s when you can kind of edge your way in to say, ‘Are you okay?’. Just that one little bit of small talk and it can go so far. It was a positive outcome. Take that chance because it is the most important and pivotal thing you could do.”

Samaritans CEO Julie Bentley said: “Every day, there are people across Great Britain who are in distress and need support. Our Small Talk Saves Lives campaign empowers people to trust their instincts and have the confidence to act in a way that could save a life.

“To mark the start of the four-week campaign, we are launching our Small Talk Salon at London’s King’s Cross railway station today, seeing our remarkable volunteers raise awareness of the campaign, whilst encouraging commuters to pluck up the courage to use small talk, to support those in need of help.”

Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “The Small Talk Saves Lives campaign has shown us how we each have the skills to genuinely help someone in distress. I am ever so proud of our relationship with Samaritans and British Transport Police and hope this next stage of the campaign continues to help educate and inform people that small talk can be lifesaving.”

British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable, Paul Furnell said: “We remain committed to protecting vulnerable people across the network. Our experience tells us that engaging in conversation at the right time can make all the difference. This campaign continues to encourage us all to try a little small talk, but if you don’t feel comfortable or safe to intervene, tell a member of rail staff or a police officer. You can text British Transport Police on 61016 or call 999.”