Podcast highlights: Season 2, Episode 12

Our rail network has been grappling with a high number of trespass incidents. Setting the scene, Rich told us there had been over 19,000 of these events recorded each year for the past 3 years. Around 4,000 of these involved children and young people. Also, the British Transport Police recorded 276 suspected suicides on the rail network in 2023/24. 

The industry has a clear and vital role to play in trespass and suicide prevention. Rich stressed that although socioeconomic and other factors largely drive suicide rates, there are things rail can to do promote help-seeking behaviour. 

For example, individual staff members—as well as passengers—are already encouraged to intervene in suspected suicide attempts. Rich noted that in 2023/24 alone, there were 2,242 life-saving interventions made across the rail network. 
But what’s happening at the industry level?

Ensuring cohesion

According to Rich, reducing trespass and suicide requires a comprehensive, industry-wide approach. 

The Rail Health and Safety Strategy for 2024–29 aims to foster greater cohesion across rail. And the Trespass and Suicide Prevention Strategy Group, Rich said, provides strategic oversight, ensuring the safety of both the public and railway staff. This group is creating a framework for suicide prevention to standardise efforts across the network.

Working with charity partners like Samaritans, Chasing the Stigma, and Shout is also crucial. These charities offer valuable resources, including the Hub of Hope and tech services for those in need. 

Industry is also benefitting from a number of research projects. These include the Network Rail study on unsafe behaviours and the RSSB-led trespass signage project. Projects like these aim to mitigate risks through better understanding and communication.

Confidence and empowerment

These higher-level projects are also paving the way for specific deliverables designed to bring industry stakeholders together and empower people to act.

One notable initiative is RSSB’s Trespass and Suicide One-Stop Shop. This is a central hub for:

• resources
• best practices
• case studies
• guidance documents. 

Rich explained that this platform provides a single approach to data and risk management. It will therefore foster confidence in the industry’s efforts to reduce incidents.

He also highlighted the importance of campaigns like Small Talk Saves Lives. This campaign empowers the public to intervene and prevent suicides through having simple conversations. 

The industry is also creating a risk model for trespass and suicide prevention. It draws on learnings from other sectors to proactively manage risks.

There’s clearly lots going on. And for anyone looking to get involved in any of this work, Rich recommended exploring RSSB’s dedicated Trespass and Suicide resource page. The Rail Suicide Prevention website is another good one to have a look at. These platforms offer access to training, guidance, and tools to support effective interventions.

Key takeaways

• Over 19,000 annual trespass incidents were recorded on the rail network in the past 3 years.
• The rail industry plays a crucial role in promoting help-seeking behaviours and intervening in suicide attempts.
• A comprehensive, industry-wide approach is essential for addressing these challenges effectively.
• Collaboration with charity partners and research projects helps mitigate risks.
• The Trespass and Suicide One-Stop Shop is a centralised hub for resources and best practices.
• Campaigns like Small Talk Saves Lives empower the public to act and prevent suicides.
• Access to training and guidance is available through the RSSB and Rail Suicide Prevention websites.