Your words are a life-saving kit. If you see someone who doesn’t look OK, a little small talk could save their life. Anyone can do it.
About the campaign
Since its launch in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives has encouraged people to start a simple conversation if they think someone isn’t OK at railway stations or other public places, if they feel safe to do so. This campaign, delivered in partnership with Network Rail and British Transport Police, empowers people to approach others and offer support through small but meaningful interactions.
This year, the campaign will run from 4 March to 25 March 2025, encouraging people to have the confidence to start a conversation if they see someone who doesn’t look OK.
Why should you make small talk?
It’s normal to feel unsure about starting a conversation. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, but it’s better to say something than to say nothing at all. Even if the person doesn’t respond right away, showing you care can make a lasting impact.
How to small talk safely
Your safety matters. If you don't feel comfortable speaking to someone you don’t know, that's OK.
If you’re unsure about talking to them alone or don’t feel safe to start a conversation yourself:
- Consider asking a passer-by for support.
- At train stations, staff members and British Transport Police are trained to assist in these situations.
- In an emergency, call 999.
If you do feel comfortable approaching someone who doesn’t look OK, start a conversation with some simple small talk. There’s no evidence that starting a conversation with someone who doesn’t seem OK will make things worse, and there’s no perfect approach—just do your best.
Try starting a simple conversation with small talk like this:
- “Hey, are you alright?”
- “Lovely weather isn’t it?”
- “Hi, do you know where I can get a coffee?”
Having the confidence to act could save a life
How to start a safe conversation with somebody who needs help
Join the conversation
We want to move people from being bystanders to standing by. Together, we can create a network of support where every conversation counts.
Visit our How to Start a Conversation page to learn more about how to start a conversation safely, or explore our toolkit for resources like social media posts, posters, and newsletter content to support the campaign.
*Research conducted by Mortar Research via an online omnibus poll of 2085 respondents in February 2025.
**The research was conducted by YouGov from 25-26 January 2024 with a total sample size of 2,000 GB adults (18+).