Greater Anglia is showing its support for World Suicide Prevention Day, on September 10, by training more staff in suicide prevention to help keep people safe on the railway. Greater Anglia staff have already helped to save 20 lives so far this year, through interventions where they have helped vulnerable or distressed people at stations across the network. In the last three years, 141 staff have completed Samaritans’ managing suicidal contacts course, which is a one-day course tailored specifically to people working within the rail industry. The course focuses on the benefits of a short conversation with someone who may be experiencing suicidal feelings and the techniques required to sensitively support that person and help begin their recovery. These first aid skills are also beneficial when responding to family and friends who may visit the location following a loved one’s death and when supporting a colleague affected by trauma. In addition, they are valuable in our personal lives, listening to friends or family in need. The aim is to continue to increase the number of staff who have completed the course. The course is now delivered in-house by Greater Anglia’s learning and development facilitator, Dan Ribbits. A session will take place at Norwich railway station next Wednesday, which is planned to take place the day after World Suicide Prevention Day. Greater Anglia has recently introduced a Lifesaver award for colleagues who have completed a suicide intervention. As part of this, staff receive a certificate and a badge to thank them for their efforts. Georgia Payne, Greater Anglia’s Safeguarding and Community Safety Manager, said: “We work in partnership with the Samaritans, British Transport Police and Network Rail to prevent suicides on the railway. “We are doing everything we can to keep people safe while using our rail network. More staff than ever before have completed the Samaritans’ managing suicidal contacts course, which helps train rail staff to approach vulnerable or distressed people. “For every life lost, six are saved and we are very proud of our colleagues who have carried out interventions. The Lifesaver award is a nice scheme to show our appreciation for what may be the hardest part of the job, and it has been well received so far.” Anyone who needs to talk can call the Samaritans on 116 123. To hear more about how Greater Anglia is supporting World Suicide Prevention Day, listen to Georgia Payne’s interview on the Life On Rails podcast.
