We all have the potential to be life savers by striking up a conversation...
New research from Samaritans reveals that only 50% of UK adults say they would feel confident approaching and speaking to someone they don’t know if they were concerned about them in public. The survey also suggests that we’re more comfortable behind a screen as a nation, as people would much prefer chatting to someone they don’t know on the phone (33%) or by email (18%), compared to face-to-face (9%).
Of those who said they wouldn’t feel confident approaching someone they don’t know, the top reasons holding them back were ‘worrying the person wouldn’t welcome their approach’ (44%) and ‘worrying they’d make things worse’ (29%), whilst a quarter said ‘not knowing what to say’ was also a concern.
So, Samaritans is relaunching its Small Talk Saves Lives campaign throughout February and March. In partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry, we hope to empower the public to trust their instincts and start a conversation if they think someone needs help on the railways or in other public settings. As part of the launch, a new film across digital and social media reassures the public that a little small talk like ‘where can I get a coffee?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help set them on a path to recovery.
Visit Small Talk Saves Lives to find more information, including tips and tricks to start conversations.