As restrictions are lifting, Samaritans branches are returning into the community from 19th July, to raise awareness of local support services as part of its Talk to Us campaign, running throughout July. The campaign aims to remind the public that whatever they’re facing, Samaritans volunteers are there to listen 24/7.

Events are planned across a number of train stations in the UK, reflecting the long standing relationship that the Samaritans has with Network rail and the wider rail industry s, providing support and vital suicide prevention training to identify and approach vulnerable people and to save lives. To date, more than 22,000 rail and British Transport Police staff have been trained.

If you’re passing through Edinburgh Waverley Station on 24th July, keep an eye out for your local Samaritans volunteers and pop over to the stall to have a look at the materials available.

Small Talk Saves Lives

A little small talk and a simple question like ‘Hello what’s the time?’ or ‘Hi, where can I get a coffee?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help set them on the journey to recovery.

Samaritans are launching the next phase of their Small Talk Saves Lives campaign week commencing 2nd August and will have a whole suite of materials available to help promote the message that you have all the experience you need to 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. There are lots of ways you can support Small Talk Saves Lives and raise awareness of the lifesaving difference it can make. To learn more about the campaign and to discuss opportunities to promote it, please contact Haydn Pasi, h.pasi@samaritans.org