York Samaritans are reminding the local community that small talk can save lives and we are better at small talk than we think.
As the Small Talk Saves Lives 2024 campaign launches the charities newly-released research reveals as a nation, 49% of us have avoided engaging with someone we don’t know due to the fear of having to make small talk – with over 1 in 5 of us (22%) worried we would say the wrong thing.
Small talk can be initiated by anyone to support someone who may be in need of help. There’s no evidence you will make the situation worse and you don’t need training for this. It’s about being there for that person, listening, and showing you care which can make all the difference.
David Moyles, York Branch Director
Other statistics from the research show that although 94% of people say they don’t have a go-to question to start small talk, Samaritans found across Great Britain 80% of us state we have used small talk in our personal lives over the past month, and over half of us (52%) often or always use small talk in our professional lives too.
The campaign reassures the public a little small talk like ‘do you know where I can grab a cuppa?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and remind them support is available.
The Small talk saves lives message highlights the power of talking, and helps ease any concerns people may have surrounding approaching someone in distress.
This campaign empowers people to trust their instincts and have the confidence to act, because it could save a life.
Julie Bentley, Samaritans Chief Executive
Delivered in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police, and the wider rail industry, Small Talk Saves Lives campaign can remind people that starting a conversation with someone who appears to need help near the railway could help reduce the number of suicides.
Launched in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives was developed after research showed the positive part the public could play in suicide prevention.
For more information and tips, visit Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives