It really is good to talk

A campaign by the Samaritans is encouraging members of the public to make small talk with people on train platforms who they fear may be suicidal.

The number of people stepping in over the last year reportedly increased by 20%, suggesting we’re more willing to get involved when we see others in difficulty.

A few months ago I read about a teenage girl in Sunderland who lives near a bridge which a number of people have used to commit suicide.

Her inspiring response was to attach little notes with positive messages along the bridge reminding people they’re not alone and things will get better.

Sometimes just a small gesture can make such a difference.

Particularly in big cities, we can get wrapped up in our own world. Headphones discourage conversation, and our obsession with our phones mean we are constantly looking down and missing so much of what’s going on around us.

Loneliness is a much bigger issue than ever before. We really must all try harder to help others.

The positive thing about the Samaritans’ campaign is that it is waking people up to the fact that approaching someone in trouble is the right thing to do.