New Government-funded research published today (10 September) looks to establish measures to both prevent and protect families from railway suicides.

The research includes strategies aimed at improving safety measures, responsible media reporting and increasing support for those in crisis.

The research has been released to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day

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Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy said:

Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and this research ensures we are doing everything possible to reduce the risks, support those in need, and protect families from unimaginable loss on our railways.

We are committed to working with our partners across the rail industry, health services, and charities to save lives, and as we move towards Great British Railways, we’re putting passengers first and making rail travel safer for everyone.

Findings of the report touch on the effectiveness of physical interventions to prevent both attempts and accidental falls, with suggestions within the plan including increased fencing along tracks to reduce access.

Evidence also shows that trauma support training comes highly recommended by rail staff following instances of rail related suicides, as well as accidental deaths.

The research highlights evidence that training programmes can improve staff confidence in identifying and intervening in any suicide attempts. As a result, the Government now requires all publicly owned train operators to provide frontline staff with regular suicide prevention training.

Network Rail recently launched the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign in partnership with Samaritans and the British Transport Police, which aims to encourage members of the public to strike up conversation when someone might look distressed on the railway.

Louise McNally, Suicide and Trespass Prevention Lead, at Network Rail, said:

Lives lost on the railway have a ripple effect, with tragedies touching everyone from the family and friends of victims, to our colleagues who have to cope with the aftermath. That’s why we work together as an industry to provide training and physical improvements to the railway so we can respond effectively to people in distress.

Our partnership campaign with the Samaritans – Small Talk Saves Lives – encourages the public to help us in our efforts by reminding us that a simple conversation can be all it takes to interrupt suicidal thoughts. We can all play a vital role in saving lives and this research will help our efforts to make the railway safer.

The release of the report coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, with Samaritans also releasing a statement to raise awareness and show care if they think someone is in danger.

Dave Brown, Head of Rail Programme at Samaritans, said:

At Samaritans we welcome research into suicide on the rail as we know firsthand the devasting impact this can have on those working across the network. We fully support the need to train those working in the industry and encourage staff to attend our Managing Suicidal Contacts and Trauma Support training.

Across the industry we must continue to work together to ensure fewer people die by suicide on the railway.

Struggling or need somebody to speak to? Help is always available. Call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

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