Samaritans training for Greater Anglia staff

Samaritans Awareness Day is held annually on the 24th July and this year Greater Anglia thanked the volunteers of the charity for the lifesaving work they do through Talk To Us.

The Awareness Day highlights that volunteers are always available to listen to those who are struggling.

Greater Anglia has received help to train staff members in a suicide prevention which teaches staff to recognise people who may be vulnerable and the best way to approach people and make conversation.

During the half day course, staff are taught the listening skills which are used by the volunteer service alongside getting people to safety and in contact with friends and family or Samaritans to receive further support. 459 Greater Anglia Staff members have already taken part in the course.

Matt Wakefield, Greater Anglia's Head of Safety, Security and Sustainability, said: “We're very grateful to the Samaritans for all that they do. Hundreds of our colleagues have taken part in their training and this had led to several life-saving interventions on our network.

“For every life lost on the railway, six are saved. The suicide prevention course has been invaluable; it empowers rail staff to start conversations, help support vulnerable people and signpost them to get the help they need.”

Samaritans Olivia Cayley, Head of Rail Programme, said: “We're so grateful to Greater Anglia for their commitment in training their staff to potentially save lives. Suicide is preventable and talking really can make such a difference. Given the last challenging few years, it's so important that we continue to look out for one another and encourage others to reach out for help if they need it.

“Samaritans' Talk To Us campaign reminds the public and rail staff alike that whatever they're facing, our volunteers are there around the clock to offer a listening ear to anyone who is struggling to cope. You can confidentially call 116 123 free of charge or email jo@samaritans.org.”