COMMUTERS are being urged to take part in a suicide prevention campaign on the railways which could save many lives.

The Samaritans, British Transport Police (BTP) and operators like Network Rail have combined to launch the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign to encourage travellers to look out for those who may be at risk of suicide around tracks.

Warning signs include a passenger standing alone or looking isolated, staying on a platform for a long time without boarding a train or displaying unusual behaviour.

Ruth Sutherland, CEO of Samaritans said: “Suicide is everybody’s business and any one of us could have an opportunity to save a life.

Research for this campaign showed 73 per cent of the public would expect somebody to approach their loved one if they were upset in a public place.

“We have worked carefully with the public, rail travellers and those bereaved by suicide to ensure that this campaign is delivered sensitively but with real impact.

“The knowledge and skills to save lives in the rail environment can be applied to many other situations. We hope that Small Talk Saves Lives is the start of a much wider conversation about how suicide is preventable.”

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