Small Talk Saves Lives Toolkit

Samaritans’ Small Talk Saves Lives is delivered in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry. The next phase of the campaign, which is now in its eighth year, will run from 4 March to 25 March 2025.

Since launching in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives has successfully raised awareness within railway stations and other public settings about the power people have to save lives by starting a simple conversation if they think someone isn’t OK.

A little small talk and a simple question like ‘Hey, are you alright?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts.

It’s normal to feel anxious about making small talk. You might worry about saying the wrong thing – but it’s always better to say something than to say nothing at all. Remember, there’s no evidence that starting a conversation with someone who doesn’t seem OK will make things worse.

Just do your best, by showing you care and being there, you can make a world of difference. You already have a life-saving kit available to you – your words.

Suicide is preventable and suicidal thoughts are often temporary so having the confidence to act could help save someone's life.

Download the social media assets or share the film with the suggested copy below to empower others and raise awareness on your social channels. Get involved and join thousands of people looking out for one another.

• There is no right or wrong way to approach someone and you don’t need to be an expert to help – you just need to ask a simple question if you think something doesn't feel right. Remember, your words are a life-saving kit 💚 https://bit.ly/43bUBNC #SmallTalkSavesLives
• We can all struggle. Any time. Any place. That's why it's important to pay attention to those around us. If you notice someone acting differently or seeming out of place, take the time to engage in a little small talk. You never know, it could make a big difference 💚 https://bit.ly/43bUBNC #SmallTalkSavesLives
• We all worry about saying the wrong thing, but a little small talk can be all that’s needed to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts and get them to a place of safety https://bit.ly/43bUBNC #SmallTalkSavesLives
• A simple "Hey, are you alright?" can be all it takes to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts. Anyone can do it. https://bit.ly/43bUBNC #SmallTalkSavesLives

Another great way to support us and share this important message is by resharing the content we will be posting on your own social channels. Please don't forget to use the campaign hashtag #SmallTalkSavesLives or to tag @samaritanscharity/@samaritans in your posts.

Thanks to you we can continue to be there for anyone struggling to cope. Together, we can make change that saves lives.

For further information please email your contact at Samaritans or:

Nikki Mugford, Campaigns Manager, n.mugford@samaritans.org