York Samaritans are encouraging people to start a simple conversation if they notice someone who doesn’t seem okay, especially on the railway network, but also in other public settings.
New data reveals that 52% of Brits think small talk is a thing of the past despite more than half of people saying they would appreciate the kind words of a stranger if they were visibly upset.
This survey comes as York Samaritans relaunches Small Talk Saves Lives in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry. The campaign encourages people to start a simple conversation if they think someone doesn’t look ok on the railway network and other public settings.
This year, York Samaritans will be making a presence at two stations; Selby Station on Thursday 19 March (7am-10am) and York Station on Wednesday 25 March (10am-4pm). The campaign will be celebrated in both York and Selby with Samaritans speaking to the public about the campaign and highlighting the power of talking.
Whilst we know that small talk may not always feel easy to some, we know that it can make a huge difference to someone in distress. So, whether you comment on the weather, or ask where someone can find a coffee, the simple small talk can be all it takes to connect with someone and potentially save a life.
Matthew Knight, York Samaritans
Other statistics from the research show that over three quarters (78%) of Brits admitted to having avoided small talk in the past, despite 59% of respondents stated they would appreciate kind words from a stranger if they were visibly upset, and two thirds (68%) of them said they would be more inclined to make small talk with a stranger if they knew it made a positive impact.
Small Talk Saves Lives shines a light on the power of everyday conversation, and its ability to make a huge impact on a stranger. Millions of people pass through the rail network each day, and every single one of them could ask a simple question or say a friendly comment that could make all the difference. By encouraging colleagues and passengers to pause and start a conversation with someone that looks like they might need help, we’re encouraging people to make looking out for one another second nature and reminding them that small talk really can save lives.
Louise McNally, Principal Suicide & Trespass Prevention Specialist
This year, York Samaritans will be making a presence at two stations; Selby Station on Thursday 19 March (7am-10am) and York Station on Wednesday 25 March (10am-4pm). The campaign will be celebrated with Samaritans speaking to the public about the campaign and highlighting the power of talking at both stations.
The Small Talk Saves Lives campaign reinforces the message that anyone can play a role in supporting vulnerable people, even though something as simple as a little small talk. We continue to work closely with Samaritans and Network Rail to ensure that those experiencing a mental health crisis receive timely and appropriate help. While a moment of small talk could help someone feel less alone, we also encourage anyone who sees a person they believe is in distress on the railway network to report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 999 in an emergency.
Superintendent Sam Painter, British Transport Police lead for Protecting Vulnerable People
The Small Talk Saves Lives campaign, which Samaritans has run in partnership with Network Rail and British Transport Police since 2017, encourages the public to make some small talk with someone they think could be in distress, as your words could be a life-saving kit.
We can all struggle. Any place. Any time. Small Talk Saves Lives is about moving people from ‘bystander’ to ‘standing-by’ and offering support, turning everyday conversations into moments that matter.
For more information and tips, visit Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives