Nearly 1,080 lives saved across South's railways in last five years
27,000 rail industry staff have been trained across the country
New Samaritans figures just under 1,080 lives have been saved across railways in Hampshire, South Wiltshire and Dorset in the last five years as part of a suicide prevention project.
Over the last 14 years, Network Rail and Samaritans have worked together to train 27,000 rail industry staff as part of a Rail Suicide Prevention Programme.
1,077 interventions were made along the Wessex route, which runs services from the South into London Waterloo station.
Nationally, this has led to 1,937 interventions made in the last year alone.
The partnership, which was established in 2010, aims to provide specialist training for rail staff, and partners to raise public awareness about suicide prevention.
It teaches them the best ways to approach vulnerable people and the signs to look out for to see if someone needs help, these can range from simply talking to them or calling for further professional assistance
Louise McNally, the suicide lead at Network Rail, tells us staff are trained "to find and recognise those people who may be vulnerable and in distress."
"Then they can make that intervention, and get them to a place of safety."
She continues, "Bystanders can also play a significant role in preventing railway suicides by taking direct action or by alerting authorities."
Ms McNally says, 'A simple thing like saying "isn't it a lovely day" can interrupt that suicidal thought process and change someone's life completely.
"If you're a bystander, and believe someone is in distress at a station, try and strike up some small talk. It could change their life."
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s Southern region managing director, said:
“I’m proud of all our staff who have been trained in suicide prevention techniques through the Samaritans and have taken their learning and used it to support those going through times of distress.
“We really care for people who use our railway and we've intervened across our network many times.
“I would encourage anyone who is struggling with their mental health, or knows someone in need of support, to speak to a friend, family member or trusted colleague, or contact the Samaritans for help and advice.”
If you require support, please contact Samaritans on 116123 or online on the Samaritans website.