Samaritans will continue to be the primary delivery partner for Network Rail’s strategy to prevent suicide on the railway, the charity announced.
Samaritans announced on Thursday that it’s programme with Network Rail had been extended following a tender process.
The charity runs a free helpline for those struggling with their mental health.
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Samaritans have been partnering with Network Rail since 2010. The renewed contract will be delivered between September 2024 and March 2027.
Olivia Cayley, Head of Rail Programme at Samaritans, said, “We are looking forward to what our ongoing partnership with Network Rail will achieve. The programme ensures we can reach more people who may be struggling to cope and support rail staff and passengers who are affected by incidents that happen.”
“As part of this new contract, we will continue to deliver the successful Small Talk, Saves Lives campaign each year to raise awareness of how people can start a conversation with people who are in distress.”
“The continuation of the programme ensures we can train more rail staff and deliver local community events, supported by a range of partners and Samaritans volunteers. Working with Network Rail until March 2027 means our partnership will save thousands more lives.”
Louise McNally, suicide prevention lead at Network Rail, said: “We’re really pleased that we’ll be continuing our partnership with Samaritans which will allow us to continue training more rail staff as part of our Rail Suicide Prevention Programme.
“In 2025, the partnership will have reached its 15-year-milestone, which is a massive achievement and one we’re extremely proud to share with Samaritans as the work they do continues to support thousands of vulnerable people across the rail network as well as save many more lives.”
For more information about Samaritans and Network Rail’s Rail Suicide Prevention Programme, visit – https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/workplace/rail-industry-suicide-prevention-programme/
