Railways: Suicide
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help prevent suicide on railway infrastructure.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood
The Department is committed to working with the rail industry to reduce the number of deaths by suicide. Each rail operator is responsible for delivering a suicide prevention plan and maintaining accreditation to the independently assessed Safeguarding on Rail Scheme.
Their plan must include training of public-facing staff in suicide prevention, putting in place mitigation measures at stations and promoting avenues of help for vulnerable people at risk of suicide or self-harm.
The British Transport Police works in collaboration with its partners to ensure incidents are managed swiftly and people are treated with dignity. Network Rail has a long-standing relationship with The Samaritans, and funds the ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’ campaign. Since launching in 2017, the campaign has successfully raised awareness within railway stations and other public settings about the need to trust your instincts and start a simple conversation if you think someone might need help.
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