Start a Conversation - You Could Save a Life!
Since launching in 2017, the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign has successfully raised awareness within railway stations and other public settings about the need to trust your instincts and start a simple conversation if you think someone might need help.
Only 50% of UK adults said they would feel confident about approaching and speaking to someone they didn’t know in public, if they were concerned about them. It’s normal to feel a bit anxious about starting a conversation and making small talk especially with someone you don’t know. It’s normal to worry about saying the wrong thing BUT this simple act could save a life!
It can be hard to know how to approach someone who needs help. A simple question or observation can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and start them on the road to recovery. ‘Feeling a bit cold today’ or ‘Where can I get a coffee’…. Once you have managed to engage with them try and encourage them to respond and engage. It may take them a while to respond. It might seem like they’re not listening. Be patient and stay in their line of sight. Simply talking to someone and interrupting their thoughts may be all it takes.
Suicide can be prevented and suicidal thoughts are often temporary and can be interrupted. By starting a conversation you could help put someone on the path to recovery.
If you think someone might need help, trust your instincts and start a simple conversation…. You could save a life.