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 campaign will run from 22 February to 19 March 2024.

Since launching in 2017 Small Talk Saves Lives has successfully raised awareness within railway stations and other public settings about the need to trust your instincts and start a simple conversation if you think someone might need help.

A little small talk and a simple question like “Hi, do you know where I can grab a cuppa?” can be all it takes to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts and could help set them on the journey to recovery.

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.

Use the image, film and suggested copy below to promote #SmallTalkSavesLives on your channels from 22 February and join thousands of people looking out for one another.

• We all worry about saying the wrong thing, but a little small talk can be all that’s needed to interrupt suicidal thinking and start that person on a journey to recovery 💚 https://bit.ly/3RzU7uD #SmallTalkSavesLives
• There is no right or wrong way to approach someone and you don’t need special training to help – you just need to start a simple conversation 💚 https://bit.ly/3RzU7uD #SmallTalkSavesLives
• 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/37c7Akf #SmallTalkSavesLives
• It can be difficult to know what signs to spot when someone is going through a tough time. If someone looks out of place, is acting strangely or you just feel like something isn’t quite right – try and start a conversation 👇 https://bit.ly/37c7Akf #SmallTalkSavesLives

Another great way to support us is to reshare the content we will be posting on our social channels. Please don't forget to use #SmallTalkSavesLives or tag us in your posts.

To share the campaign internally within your organisation you can:

• Display posters on noticeboards within your workplace
• Share the campaign through your internal channels using our suggested newsletter copy

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, [email protected]