How important is Small Talk in the East?
New research shows how starting conversations could help save lives
We’re being reminded about the importance of small talk and how much we rely on it. New research by Samaritans has highlighted just how much it means to us in the East.
- Almost one in five (17%) people in the East of England say they’re more likely to make small talk with strangers now restrictions have lifted.
- 78% of people in the East of England used small talk to connect with strangers during lockdown, including connecting with neighbours they hadn’t spoken with before.
- Seven in ten (70%) in the region admit that the weather was their ‘go-to’ topic for small talk.
The findings come as Samaritans launches a new phase of Small Talk Saves Lives, in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry, to empower the public to act to prevent suicide on the railways and other settings.
It also highlights the benefits small talk can have, with over half of respondents saying it can make people feel less lonely (57%) and boost their own mental health and wellbeing (45%), as well as showing others that people care and want to help them (28%).
Dom Motteram knows first hand, how important small talk can be:
“I was at a very low point in my life, it was very stressful. One thing led to another and it got to the stage where I wanted to take my own life.
Somebody approached me while I was at the station and asked me if I was okay and reached out. And that was all it took…it is that straightforward, it is that easy to do and it is that impactful.”
After an tough year and as the UK starts to readjust to life with restrictions easing, the campaign reminds the public they already have the skills to start a conversation with someone who needs help, giving them the confidence to act. By trusting our instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, a little small talk and a simple question.
Lisa Marzano is a Leading Suicide Prevention Expert who is backing the campaign:
“Something as small as somebody making contact with you- it could be simple smile, a gesture, a bit of eye contact or some small talk. A question about the weather, or asking what the time is. That, sometimes for some people can be enough just to distract them from those suicidal thoughts, and could help save a life.“
A YouGov survey also shows that over three quarters of UK adults (78%) used small talk during the pandemic, whilst almost one in five (19%) say they are more likely to want to make small talk with a stranger face to face once restrictions are lifted.
Just over half (51%) of those who are more likely to want to make small talk said it was because they now recognise the importance of human connection and with 39% of respondents saying they also appreciate the sense of community the pandemic brought out in people. Whilst during pandemic restrictions, people say they made small talk with neighbours they hadn’t spoken to before and with strangers at the supermarket (both 37%).
Despite the unprecedented events of the last year, the weather still remains the go-to subject for striking up conversation, chosen by 71% of people, compared to coronavirus in second place with 45%.