Small talk can save lives
More than half of adults in Scotland appreciate someone checking on them offering words of support if they are struggling to cope.
The findings are contained in a new survey by Samaritans as it launches Small Talk Saves Lives, in partnership with Network Rail, ScotRail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry.
The campaign encourages people to start a simple conversation if they think someone doesn’t look OK on the railway network and other public settings.
Of respondents in Scotland, nearly half (38%) admit to avoiding someone who didn’t look OK because they were afraid of making small talk with them.
From this group, 23% said they weren’t sure what to say, while 42% 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.
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.
Executive director of Samaritans Scotland, Neil Mathers, said: “We can’t underestimate the power of our words when it comes to supporting someone who’s struggling. Our words really matter and could save a life.
“Small Talk Saves Lives is a campaign to empower people to start a conversation with somebody if they are worried about them or feel something isn’t quite right. We want to help people turn everyday conversations into moments that matter.”
Samaritans volunteers are holding a number of events at railway stations across Scotland between 4th and 25th of March, including pop-up stalls to provide information and engage with people who want to find out more about how to start these conversations.”
Ross Cunningham, representative on Samaritans Scotland’s Lived Experience Advisory Group, said: “From my own experience, I can’t emphasise enough how much talking helped in my own recovery from suicidal thoughts and depression.
“When I went through a severe depression it felt extremely lonely, like I was the only person going through what I was. Speaking to others helped me put things in perspective and by feeling heard it helped me feel like I wasn’t alone.
“If you’re worried about someone, please don’t hesitate in asking them how they’re doing and letting them know you’re there for them.”
With nearly two in three people in the UK (69% of the UK) saying they don’t currently have any go-to phrases to start small talk, Samaritans head of the rail programme, Olivia Cayley, is reminding people that saying even a few words will mean a lot to those who are struggling to cope.
She said: "We know that people can worry about saying the wrong thing or feel like it's not their place to step in, but it's always better to say something than to say nothing at all.
“A little small talk and a simple question like ‘Hey, are you alright?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s negative thoughts.”
Sir Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, added: “We can all have good days and bad days and that’s why it’s so important to look out for one another.
“This campaign is a powerful reminder for all who use the railway, passengers or staff, that small talk can be life-saving.
“I’m so proud we’re able to join Samaritans and British Transport Police once again to inform the public that starting a little conversation can go a long way to help someone in need of support.”
