Volunteers from North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans (also known as Hitchin Samaritans) were at Stevenage Railway Station on Wednesday 12 March, as part of this year's "Small Talk Saves Lives" campaign, to encourage and reassure commuters to start a conversation – as two in five (44%) say they find themselves struggling to cope. First launched in 2017, Samaritans #SmallTalkSavesLives campaign encourages the public 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.

New research released by Samaritans reveals over half of UK adults (67%) would appreciate someone checking on them, by offering words of support, if they were struggling to cope. Nearly half of respondents (40%) admit to avoiding someone who didn't look OK because they were afraid of making small talk with them. From this group, 30% said they weren't sure what to say, while over a third (35%) said they were worried their help would not be welcomed. But small talk, is no small thing and we're all better at it than we think. 

Speaking about the campaign, Hitchin Samaritans Branch co-Director, Wendy Roberts, reassured those concerned they might make things worse. She said, "You don't have to be an expert to start a conversation with someone who might be struggling to cope. A simple "Hey, are you alright?" can be all it takes to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts. Anyone can do it. If someone doesn't look OK, starting a conversation could save their life." 

A new campaign film has been released to remind the public that when it comes to saving a life, you already have a life-saving kit available to you – your words. 

Delivered in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry, this latest phase of the campaign runs till 25 March 2025. More information about the campaign can be found on the Samaritans website.

North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans is entirely self-funded, depending on donations from organisations and individuals to continue our work. The branch is run by a team of 100+ volunteers, who commit to weekly shifts, including night shifts to support our 24/7 service.

Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, or email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org

For more information and tips, visit Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives.