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Swindon Samaritans is encouraging commuters at train stations to act if they notice someone who may be at risk.

A new phase of the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign, launched by Samaritans in partnership with British Transport Police, Network Rail and the wider rail industry, is emphasising how each of us has all the experience we need to help save a life.

The campaign was developed after research showed that passengers could have a key role to play along with the thousands of rail staff and British Transport Police now trained by Samaritans in suicide prevention.

Samaritans volunteer, Darren Tee runs the Swindon Samaritans branch.

He said: “Suicide is preventable and any one of us could have an opportunity to save a life.

"A phrase as simple as ‘I can’t believe this weather’ could be enough to interrupt a person’s suicidal thoughts.

"Even if small talk doesn’t come naturally to you, if something doesn’t feel right, please try to start a conversation. There’s no evidence you’ll make things worse.”

Find out more about Small Talk Saves Lives at https://www.samaritans.org/media-centre/our-campaigns/small-talk-saves-lives

You can also support the campaign by following @samaritanscharity on Instagram or sharing the video on Twitter (@samaritans) or Facebook (facebook.com/samaritanscharity) using the hashtag #SmallTalkSavesLives

From the Swindon Advertiser: (https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/17237348.small-talk-at-train-station-could-save-lives-say-swindon-samaritans/)