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Suicide prevention in East Anglia

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Greater Anglia staff have staged 32 potentially life-saving interventions at stations across its network in the first eight months of this year.

Suicide prevention manager Yvonne Monaghan said: “For every life lost, six are saved and we’re very proud of our colleagues who have carried out suicide interventions.

“We are doing everything we can to keep people safe while using our rail network. More staff than ever before have completed Samaritans’ managing suicidal contacts course, which helps train rail staff to approach vulnerable or distressed people.”

A total of 313 staff – more than 10 per cent of  Greater Anglia’s workforce – have completed the Samaritans’s one-day course, which is specifically tailored to people working within the rail industry. This course focuses on the benefits of a short conversation with someone who may have suicidal feelings and the techniques required to sensitively support that person and help begin their recovery – known as ’emotional first aid skills.’


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Marking World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, the train operator said it is also investing in additional Land Sheriffs and training more of its staff in suicide prevention.

Land Sheriffs have been patrolling the Greater Anglia network since July 2015. In total, Greater Anglia has invested in 30 Land Sheriffs to provide a reassuring presence and additional support to railway staff in keeping rail travellers safe and secure.

Since the start of the year rail pastors have also been patrolling Greater Anglia trains and stations.

Anyone who needs to talk can call Samaritans on 116 123.


Read more: Training an Orange Army of life savers


 

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