Samaritans works with Network Rail and the wider rail industry to reduce suicide on the railways and to support everyone affected by them.
Samaritans and Network Rail
Every suicide leaves a lasting effect on family and friends, as well as rail staff, commuters and the wider community. In 2010 Samaritans began working with Network Rail with the aim of preventing rail suicides and supporting those affected by them.
Our partnership with Network Rail and work with the wider rail industry focuses on seven key areas:
- Engaging the rail industry in suicide prevention and support activities
- Reaching out to those most at risk through our awareness campaigns
- Training rail industry staff in suicide prevention
- Supporting people affected by a suicide
- Volunteer outreach and support at stations after a suicide
- Working with the media to encourage responsible reporting of rail suicides
- Working with police and health services
Our achievements
Since the partnership launched, we have:
- Trained over 20,000 rail staff in Samaritans' suicide prevention and support courses
- Supported course delegates to make more than 900 reported potentially life-saving interventions
- Won more than ten awards won in recognition of outstanding partnership and training work
- Delivered the multi-award winning campaign 'Small Talk Saves Lives'
- Increased engagement from train operating companies across England, Scotland and Wales year-on-year.
Find out more
For more information on the rail industry suicide prevention programme and their work with Samaritans please visit the Rail Suicide Prevention website.