Northern encourages customers to look out for each other ahead of World Mental Health Day

Each year, on 10 October, World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world. 

And the rail operator and Samaritans are continuing to work in partnership to encourage more people to open up and talk, which could help save a life. 

As part of this partnership, Samaritans delivers training courses which equip Northern staff with skills that allow them to identify, approach and help potentially vulnerable people. 

Northern colleagues are taught how best to approach people and start a conversation. They also learn essential listening skills, how to safely help and refer a person to friends, family, British Transport Police or Samaritans to receive further support. 

Tricia Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Northern, said: “Our vision is to make a positive impact in the north of England and what better way to do that than to help some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. We need to remind our customers and colleagues how powerful talking and listening can be.”    

“Samaritans has trained many of our frontline staff to spot someone who might be vulnerable, giving them the confidence to simply start a conversation which could help save a life.”  

Olivia Cayley, Head of Rail Programme at Samaritans, said: “We’re so thankful to Northern for their support in spreading this important message and training their staff which could make such a difference. Our recent Small Talk Saves Lives campaign is proof that anyone can help save a life – we encourage you to trust your instincts and start a conversation if you see someone who needs help. It could be all they need to set them on their path to recovery.  

“We know that the pandemic has had a huge impact on the nation’s mental health and even though restrictions are lifting, people may still be struggling. It’s so important we look out for one another now more than ever because suicide is preventable. Samaritans volunteers are always there to listen on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.” 

Northern has also teamed up with Network Rail to support the new ‘Brighter Journeys’ campaign to encourage those who may be struggling with their mental health to seek help. 

The Brighter Journeys campaign will visit a number of stations to help welcome customers back to the railway.  

Inspired by the wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature, the campaign aims to bring the outdoors into the station environment and put smiles on customers’ faces. 

Brighter Journeys will signpost people to share and download the Hub of Hope app if they or someone they know are struggling with their mental health. 

The app – provided by Chasing the Stigma – is the only service of its kind that brings together all the mental health support options available to someone in any given area. 

Anyone struggling with their mental health can download the Hub of Hope app. The Hub of Hope can be accessed through the app, Chasing the Stigma website or at www.hubofhope.co.uk. 

The app also has a ‘Need Help Now?’ button that links to Samaritans and the Crisis Text Line’s 24/7 messaging service.