Could you help save a life?
As well as one of the Samaritans' training officers, we also hear from duty customer experience manager Rizwan Javed who has benefitted from the training and made 29 life-saving interventions. In his own words: 'I would recommend the Samaritans training to everyone. It is really effective to use within a working environment as well as everyday life. It will really give you the confidence to approach and deal with someone who’s vulnerable, alone and maybe contemplating ending their life. Every life saved goes a long way in making a difference.'
Topics in this episode include:
- Jason Alexandre introductory biography [1:19]
- Rizwan Javed introductory biography [1:57]
- Jason talks about the Samaritans' partnership with the rail industry and the work to reduce the number of suicides on the railway [3:22]
- Jason talks about the numbers involved and the success of interventions by railway staff with people contemplating taking their own life. [5:15]
- Jason describes the aims and content of the Managing Suicidal Contacts training programme developed for and with the rail industry. [5:55]
- Rizwan talks about how the Managing Suicidal Contacts training gave him the knowledge to see the signs that people in distress display, and the confidence to approach those people and start a conversation [10:20]
- Rizwan recounts the story of just one of his interventions, how he spotted a young woman in distress, started a conversation with her, and eventually got her to agree to accepting outside support. And how she eventually returned to thank Rizwan for his intervention. [12:20]
Whatever you’re facing, Samaritans volunteers are always there to listen, without judgement, 365 days a year—call free from any phone on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Related resources:
- For more information on Samaritans partnership with the rail industry and to take part in the managing suicidal contacts training, you can email: railcompanies@samaritans.org.
- Suicide prevention key contacts
- Suicide prevention good practice
- Suicide prevention support materials
- Suicide prevention guidance
- RESTRAIL Toolbox (REduction of Suicide and Trespass on RAILway property)
- Continuing the evaluation of the national rail suicide prevention programme (T1081)
- Minimising the impact of suicides on railway staff (T317)
- Improving suicide prevention measures on the rail network in Great Britain (T845).
RSSB podcasts cover a range of topics to keep you informed about things that will lead us all toward a better, safer railway. All our podcasts can be accessed from our podcast page.
