You have all the experience you need to help save a life
If you feel something isn’t quite right and you think someone might need help, trust your instincts and start a conversation. You could save a life.
Having the confidence to act could save a life
How to start a conversation with somebody who needs help
Why we're doing this
After an incredibly tough year and as the nation begins to readjust to life without pandemic restrictions, the campaign reminds the public they already have the skills to start a conversation with someone who needs help, giving them the confidence to act. By trusting our instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, a little small talk and a simple question, such as “Hello, what’s the time?” can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help set them on the journey to recovery.
A recent YouGov poll showed us how the pandemic has affected people's confidence when it comes to small talk
1 in 5
people are more likely to want to make small talk with strangers once restrictions are fully lifted.
18%
of those who are less likely said it was because they were nervous after not talking to strangers for a long time.
Samaritans has launched the campaign in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry. We train thousands of rail staff in suicide prevention every year. Many of them go on to make an intervention and save a life. We encourage staff to notice if someone may be at risk and then start a conversation by asking a simple question. We have also developed workplace training for organisations and local authorities to support their staff with suicide prevention.
Course: Managing suicidal conversations
For anyone whose role brings them into contact with people at risk
Real life stories
Dom, Sheila and Damon kindly shared their stories and experience with Samaritans, demonstrating the positive impact a little small talk can have on somebody's life.
Image credit: Sheila, David Oates/Samaritans; Dom, Chris Turner/Samaritans