"Hey, are you alright?"

Our charity partner, Samaritans wanted us to share some information about their latest campaign, Small Talk Saves Lives.

Find out how you can play your part in raising life-saving awareness by empowering others to act through small but meaningful interactions.

About the campaign

Samaritans’ Small Talk Saves Lives is delivered in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry. The next phase of the campaign, which is now in its eighth year, will run from 4 March to 25 March 2025.

Since launching in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives has successfully raised awareness within railway stations and other public settings about the power people have to save lives by starting a simple conversation if they think someone isn’t OK.

 A little small talk and a simple question like ‘Hey, are you alright?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts.

Watch Samaritans' new campaign film here

It’s normal to feel anxious about making small talk. You might worry about saying the wrong thing – but it’s always better to say something than to say nothing at all. Remember, there’s no evidence that starting a conversation with someone who doesn’t seem OK will make things worse.

 Just do your best, by showing you care and being there, you can make a world of difference. You already have a life-saving kit available to you – your words.

 Suicide is preventable and suicidal thoughts are often temporary so having the confidence to act could help save someone's life.

How to support the campaign

Use the title image for this blog or share the link to the new film alongside the suggested copy below to empower others and raise awareness on your social channels.

Get involved and join thousands of people looking out for one another.

• We all worry about saying the wrong thing, but a little small talk can be all that’s needed to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts and get them to a place of safety #SmallTalkSavesLives

And . . .

Another great way to support Samaritans and share this important message is by resharing any content they post about it on your own social channels. Please don't forget to use the campaign hashtag #SmallTalkSavesLives or to tag @samaritanscharity/@samaritans in your posts.

Thanks to all Central Co-op Members for supporting us

Thanks to you we can continue to be there for anyone struggling to cope. Together, we can make change that saves lives.