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A series of motivational messages have appeared at stations across the Southern Railway network on World Suicide Prevention Day (Thursday September 10).
The messages are part of Govia Thameslink Railway’s ‘Affirmation Art’ activation scheme and include “It’s ok not to be ok,” and “We’re with You” to show continued support and understanding for those in need.
Working closely with partners such as Samaritans, Network Rail and the British Transport Police, GTR continually works to support people across its network.
The messages were created by artists in chalk at station exits and entrances.
Highlighting its commitment in this area, the company has appointed its first Suicide Prevention Manager, Laura Campbell, making GTR the only Train Operating Company to have someone in such a role.
In the last year there have been 426 interventions by the rail company and 35 fatalities, with a 57% increase in lifesaving interventions since 2019 across GTR’s rail network.
As part of its long-term strategy, GTR aims to reduce the number of incidents by 50% leading up to 2021.
Speaking of the campaign, Suicide Prevention Manager, Laura Campbell said, “Whilst growing up I experienced first-hand the trauma that suicide can leave behind and it’s why I took on the role of Suicide Prevention Manager at GTR.
“It is important to raise awareness of the support that is available to those that may need it and educate the wider community about the complexities inherent in mental health as well as suicide. The Affirmations Art campaign looks to do just that, in a subtle and visual way.”
Laura continues: “My grandmother sadly took her own life on the railway when my mum was just four years old. Back then, there wasn’t the support around that there is now and I don’t think she’s ever processed it properly.
“It’s one of the key reasons why I took on this role – my main focus is on supporting as many people as possible with all the work we’re doing to prevent suicide. I think it’s incredibly important that we’re raising awareness and showing signs of positivity on what will be quite a stark day for many.”
Station manager, Steve Fleming, has been on the railway for over 20 years and in that time has met lots of vulnerable people. He is sharing his story to support #WorldSuicidePreventionDay and said: “Dealing with traumatic experiences over the years has been tough but it’s given me perspective for how other people might be affected and I think I’ve therefore become even more supportive both in work and outside.
“I always encourage open conversations with my teams because I think talking about difficult issues can break down barriers – I am constantly reminding those around me that it’s ok not to be ok.
“I’m passionate about raising awareness of suicide because I have personal and professional experiences of the consequences.
“Sadly, I never got to meet my wife’s sister as she took her own life many years ago but I often wonder ‘what if’. What if someone had seen her and made an intervention, would it have made a difference and would she still be here now?”
Helping vulnerable people is something Steve does every day – and he gets an instant feeling when something’s not right.
“I had a situation recently with a vulnerable member of the public who was seeking help at a station I was working at. After walking out of the station and sitting on a bench nearby, I went out after him because I knew the worst thing to do at that point was leave him on his own.
Samaritans advise you to strike up normal conversations and ask open questions, which is exactly what I did.
“I asked him if he was feeling ok, but he told me he was feeling suicidal. He had called himself an ambulance, which I took as a good sign, but I wanted to make sure I stayed close to him whilst he waited for it to arrive. I wanted to be visible enough in case he needed help, but also invisible enough so that if he decided to come back into the station I could make a safe intervention.
“Although it may seem like he had the situation under control, if I had left him alone at that moment it may have been a different story.
“On World Suicide Prevention Day I want to remind people that our station staff are always here to talk, please don’t’ suffer in silence. We can support you and get you the help you need.”
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