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To mark the launch of
Small Talk Saves Lives, London Bridge station is hosting a special exhibition display.
‘The Power of Words’, created by visual artist Chris Bishop, celebrates people who have saved lives by using small talk.
Gary Campbell is one person profiled in the exhibition and knows all about the power of words, after receiving suicide prevention training during his time working in the rail industry.
Gary said: “Once, I stopped a man who I could see was upset. He opened up about his struggles and we talked about his love of fishing. I connected him with a support group and he later told me I had saved his life.
“My advice is simple, trust your instincts. That one person checking in can go a long way.”
With nearly two in three people (64% of the UK) saying they don’t currently have any go-to phrases to start small talk, Samaritans Head of the Rail Programme, Olivia Cayley, is reminding people that saying even a few words will mean a lot to those who are struggling to cope.
Olivia Cayley, Head of the Rail Programme at Samaritans, said: "We know that people can worry about saying the wrong thing or feel like it's not their place to step in, but it's always better to say something than to say nothing at all.
“A little small talk and a simple question like ‘Hey, are you alright?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s negative thoughts.”
Small Talk Saves Lives builds on the wider rail industry’s suicide prevention programme, which has seen Samaritans, in partnership with Network Rail, train over 31,000 rail staff and British Transport Police in suicide prevention, enabling them to identify and support people in need of help.
Sir Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “We can all have good days and bad days and that’s why it’s so important to look out for one another. This campaign is a powerful reminder for all who use the railway, passengers or staff, that small talk can be life-saving.
“I’m so proud we’re able to join Samaritans and British Transport Police once again to inform the public that starting a little conversation can go a long way to help someone in need of support.”
Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan, British Transport Police (BTP), said: “Our number one priority at BTP is to protect vulnerable people from harm, and with just a few words you can help us. From experience, we know that making small talk at the right time can really be enough to save someone’s life, but if you don’t feel comfortable or safe to intervene, please tell a member of rail staff or a police officer. You can text British Transport Police on 61016 or call 999.”
For more information and tips, visit
Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives
Mortar Research conducted the research via an online omnibus poll of 2085 UK respondents in February 2025.
- ‘The Power of Words Exhibition’ will be at London Bridge station from Tuesday 4 March – Friday 4 April 2025
- The Small Talk Saves Lives campaign film shows the difference people could make if starting a simple conversation if they think someone doesn't look OK and is struggling to cope at railway stations or other public places
- Over the next few weeks Samaritans volunteers will be hosting engagement events at local stations across the railway network, speaking to passengers about the importance of small talk
- Due to the proven link between certain types of media reporting of suicide and increases in suicide rates, please be mindful of Samaritans’ media guidelines for reporting suicide and reporting rail suicide
- In partnership with Network Rail, Samaritans has trained over 31,000 rail staff and British Transport Police in suicide prevention, enabling them to identify and support people in need of help. This is part of the charity’s long-standing partnership with the rail industry to reduce suicides and support those affected by them
- Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.orgor visit www.samaritans.org
- Every 10 seconds, Samaritans volunteers respond to a call for help
