Changing attitudes to mental health in the rail industry

For many of us in the rail industry, mental health is something we encounter both personally and professionally.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭: in 2023/24, railway staff made 1,937 interventions, yet tragically, 276 lives were lost to suicide or suspected suicide on the rail network.

These numbers are hard to face, but they highlight the vital importance of suicide prevention campaigns, like the Samaritans’ ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’.

Their ‘Managing Suicidal Contacts’ programme has trained over 30,000 railway employees, equipping them with tools to offer life-saving support.

𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞.

Only 45% of people feel comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts. It’s a stark reminder that we must continue de-stigmatising mental health and creating safe spaces for people to seek help.

In an effort to increase this figure, Mental Health First Aiders and Samaritans-trained colleagues, like Dominic Keegans, are always available for a private chat.

Initiatives like our ‘wellbeing checks’ and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offer support across mental health, stress and even legal or financial advice.

Talking about difficult feelings, including suicidal thoughts, doesn’t have to be scary.

By starting small conversations, we can save lives.