'˜Conversation Cafes' on rail route to mark World Suicide Prevention Day

The ScotRail Alliance will mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2018 by offering support to customers travelling on services from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh via Croy from Monday until Friday.

‘Conversation Cafes’ will see representatives from the Railway Mission, Samaritans, NHS24 Breathing Space and British Transport Police amongst other organisations, engaging and meeting with customers.

Small groups will engage passengers in conversations about mental health issues; signposting them or their friends and family to someone they can talk to, in utter confidence, when they are feeling down.

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In 2018 alone, there were seven suspected suicides, five attempted suicides and 22 life-saving interventions Scotland’s railway.

Railway Mission chaplain Graham Whitehead said: “By offering a smile and a hello, as well as information about where customers can get professional support, we can make a huge different to people’s lives.

“If just one person who is going through a difficult time gets the help they need, then it will be worthwhile.”

ScotRail Alliance safety improvement manager Sylvia Wilson added: “We’re really pleased to be a part of such a great initiative. It’s important that our customers know what help and support is available to them.”