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Small Talk Saves Lives

If you think someone might need help, trust your instincts and start a simple conversation. You could save a life.

Starting conversations with people who are struggling to cope can save lives. But you should always put your personal safety first.

We want to give people the confidence to talk to someone in distress if they feel comfortable to. If you don’t, always find someone else to help or call 999.

You can find out more about what to say and do on our How to Start a Conversation page.

What's the campaign about?

Since launching in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives has successfully raised awareness within railway stations and other public settings about the need for small talk and starting conversations if you think someone might need help. Obviously, we want you to feel safe when you approach a stranger who looks like they're struggling to cope. If you're at a train station for example, you could always ask a member of staff for their opinion, or to approach the person with you.

A man standing on a train station platform staring into the distance on a bright day

Nearly half of British adults avoid engaging with someone they don’t know to avoid small talk – whilst more than one in five (22%) are worried they would say the wrong thing when engaging with someone.*

We want to let people know it’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation and making small talk.

You might worry about saying the wrong thing – but having the confidence to act if you feel safe to do so could help save a life.

A little small talk and a simple question like “Do you know where I can get a coffee?” can be all it takes to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts and could help set them on the path to recovery.

Samaritans’ Small Talk Saves Lives is delivered in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry. The campaign will run from 22 February to 19 March 2024.

Having the confidence to act could save a life

How to start a safe conversation with somebody who needs help

How you can get involved

Visit our toolkit to find suggested social posts, newsletter copy and posters to help support our Small Talk Saves Lives campaign.

*The research was conducted by YouGov from 25-26 January 2024 with a total sample size of 2,000 GB adults (18+).

How to start a conversation with somebody who needs help

It’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation and making small talk. You might worry about saying the wrong thing – but having the confidence to act could help save a life.

Managing suicidal conversations

Giving people and teams the confidence, knowledge and skills to talk to someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Angie’s story

"Asking a gentle question can trigger people out of distress – it can be a really simple and effective way of saving someone’s life."

Bessie’s story

"It feels so rewarding knowing you've helped someone and that what you've done can make all the difference to that person."

George’s story

"Just being there for somebody makes a difference; making them feel like they’re cared for."

Keith’s story

"Whatever that person’s dark thoughts are, the volunteer has changed them just by sitting there listening – to me, that’s the glory of life. "

Megan’s story

"However, part of it is going with your gut feeling and determining who will be able to get to that person and get them to a place of safety the fastest."

Stephanie’s story

"My advice to anyone that doesn’t know what to say or how to start a conversation with someone you think might be in distress would be not to overthink it. You can’t make a situation worse by showing you care."

Need support? Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan or

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