21.09.12
New suicide reduction campaign aimed at working-class men
Samaritans and Network Rail are launching a new awareness campaign to reduce suicide on the railways. New posters will be placed in stations across the country to build on the original campaign launched in 2010.
The posters are designed to broaden the campaign’s reach and are targeted specifically at men aged 30-55 from poorer backgrounds. Men in this demographic are shown to be at a higher risk of suicide.
The campaign features three men to connect with this target audience; a boxing trainer, workman and soldier.
Neil Henry, Network Rail’s head of operations and performance said: “We have learnt a lot from Samaritans. Through training they have been able to help railway staff recognise the signs of a vulnerable, suicidal person and how best to engage with them. As a result many have been involved in a number of interventions preventing someone from taking their own life.
“Every death on the railway is a tragedy which affects not only the victim’s friends and family but also people working on the railway and passengers. We will continue to do all we can to raise awareness of the issues around suicide and reduce the numbers of people who take their lives on the railway.”
Rachel Kirby-Rider, director of fundraising and communications at Samaritans, said: “Through this campaign we are trying to reach out to disadvantaged men from low socio-economic groups and encourage them to seek help. It is only once we understand why these men are at higher risk of suicide that we can work with the industry and other stakeholders to reduce suicides on the railways.”
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