Bognor Regis, Chichester & District Samaritans Promote the Power of Small Talk

First launched in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives is an annual campaign that encourages the public to start a simple conversation if they notice someone who doesn’t seem OK at railway stations or other public places (as long as they feel safe to do so). The campaign reminds everybody that they already have a life-saving kit available to them: their words.

We are running the campaign in partnership with the British Transport Police and Network Rail throughout March.

This year we hope to increase the number of people who feel confident approaching someone they are concerned about. New research released by Samaritans reveals that over half of UK adults (67%) would appreciate someone checking on them by offering words of support if they were struggling to cope. However, nearly half of respondents (40%) admitted 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.

To mark the beginning of the Small Talk Saves Lives on Tuesday, 4 March, our volunteers spent the morning at Chichester station. We spoke to passengers about the campaign, highlighting the value of small talk. We also gave out leaflets containing information on how to approach someone who appears to be in emotional distress, including the signs to look out for and how to initiate contact.

We were very thankful to be joined by members of the British Transport Police and the Mayor of Chichester, Councillor Sarah Quail, who were delighted to help the volunteers raise awareness of such an important cause.

Volunteer Rod, who is part of our railway team and spent the entire morning speaking with passengers, said: “Today at Chichester Station was all about spreading a very positive message to help anyone feel confident enough to get alongside a person who may be in despair. Small Talk Saves Lives explains simple steps you can take, steps which may help get someone on the path from isolation and despair to recovery.”

Paul Brady, branch director said: “Everyone worries about doing the wrong thing, but we know that people would welcome someone checking in on them to make sure they are OK. A little small talk and a simple question like ‘Hey, are you alright?’ can be all it takes to connect with someone who doesn’t look OK. That’s why this campaign is so important, and we would like to thank Chichester station, the British Transport Police, and Mayor Sarah Quail for their enthusiastic support of our cause.”

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

You can also keep updated with all of Bognor Regis, Chichester & District Samaritans’ activities by following us on X.