Network Rail has released data that shows that 176 lifesaving interventions took place across the Anglia railway route last year – contributing to over 2,280 nationally.
Over the last five years, colleagues and passengers across the network have intervened in more than 1,000 incidents, highlighting the effects of a brief conversation with someone in distress.
There have been more than 1,000 lifesaving interventions on Anglia railways over the last five years
© Network Rail
New data presented by Mortar Research shows that 52% of Brits now believe that small talk is an outdated concept, with 78% admitting that they actively avoid it. Network Rail’s Small Talk Saves Lives campaign encourages bystanders to start a simple conversation if they believe someone might need help.
The past two years have seen a sustained rise in suicide-related incidents on the Network Rail Anglia railway, which, according to Network Rail, reflects a wider national mental health crisis. In response, it has now contracted a second mental health nurse and, through a bespoke mental health support programme, over 150 people have received direct support, including mmediate intervention, follow-up care and coordinated help with NHS and community partners.
Network Rail Anglia has announced the formation of a new community shed, in partnership with Ingatestone Parish Council and Greater Anglia. This space will provide a dedicated space for mental health workshops, classes and community activity offering informal support, promoting awareness of local services and helping strengthen community connections.
In order to raise awareness of available support and encourage people to build confidence in their ability to start conversations, Network Rail has announced a series of Small Talk Saves Lives pop-up stalls at key stations throughout March, including:
- Pitsea – 11 March – 06:30 – 09:00
- Ingatestone (with Combat2Coffee) – 11 March – 15:00 –19:00
- Witham – 13 March – 08:00 –12:00
- Cambridge – 13 March – 08:00 – 1 4:00
- Rayleigh – 19 March – 06:30 – 08:30
- Turkey Street (with Combat2Coffee) – 19 March – 08:00 –11:00
- Colchester – 25 March – 07:00 – 09:30
Becky Bray, head of readiness and resilience for Network Rail Anglia, said:
Many people in our communities face mental health challenges, and that can sometimes be visible on the railway. While our teams are trained to spot the signs, passengers are encouraged to trust their instincts and start a simple conversation if they feel safe.
Across Anglia, our embedded mental health nurses and teams work with local community partners to provide practical support and help people access the assistance they need.