A CAMPAIGN is urging train passengers to look out for people who may be suffering suicidal thoughts.

In total 37 lives have been saved in the last three years in East Anglia.

The figures come from the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign promoted by Samaritans, British Transport Police and Network Rail.

Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland said: “It’s really heartening to see more members of the public feeling they have the confidence and knowledge to act if they’re worried about someone, and we’re grateful for their support.

“Suicide is preventable and any one of us could have an opportunity to save a life.

“Even if small talk doesn’t come naturally to you, if something doesn’t feel right, please try to start a conversation.”

The scheme encourages rail passengers to notice what may be warning signs.

For example, a person standing alone and isolated, looking distant or withdrawn, staying on the platform a long time without boarding a train or displaying something out of the ordinary in their behaviour or appearance.

Different courses of action are suggested, depending on the situation and the response.

They range from approaching the person and asking them a question to distract them from their thoughts to involving other passengers, alerting a member of rail staff or calling the police.

Mental Health Minister Jackie Doyle-Price said: “It’s easy to understand why people might feel uncomfortable or shy about approaching a stranger when they notice something is not quite right.

“But, when you realise speaking up could have the power to save someone’s life, our own personal discomfort quickly seems insignificant.

“It’s promising to see the success of the campaign so far and I look forward to seeing it continue to make a real difference.”

Samaritans volunteers will be out at stations across the UK to help promote the campaign.

They have also launched a new campaign video.

To view it, visit youtube.com/watch?v=VDchxgZxjcM.

For details, visit www.samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives.