A rail operator has teamed up with the Samaritans to help save lives.

New research from the charity found that just half of adults said they would feel confident approaching someone they were concerned about in public.

To help increase this figure, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) - which operates Southern and Thameslink services, is hosting awareness events at selected stations across its network to support the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign.

Along with volunteers from Samaritans, Network Rail and the British Transport Police, GTR representatives will be on-hand to talk to passengers. They will help myth-bust when it comes to approaching vulnerable people and help ease any concerns that people might have about the subject.

Laura Campbell, GTR suicide prevention manager, said: “It’s great to be teaming up with our industry partners on the Small Talk Saves Lives initiative.

“The mental well-being of both staff and passengers is a year-round priority for GTR and this campaign gives another opportunity to remind people how to look out for one another, whilst equipping people with techniques to approach a potentially vulnerable person using the railway network.”

An outreach day has already taken place in Lewes, with other days taking place at Three Bridges railway station on March 7 and Brighton Station on March 9.

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Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, said: “It’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation with someone you don’t know in person, but we know first-hand how life-changing that conversation could be.

“Suicidal thoughts are often temporary and there’s no evidence to suggest that you will make the situation worse - it’s about trusting your instincts, starting a conversation and showing you care.

“Let’s continue to look out for one another - it could save a life.”

GTR offers suicide prevention training to all employees in partnership with Samaritans, as well as its own e-learning modules on caring for the vulnerable.

In addition, the operator provides trauma support training, counselling and access to wellbeing champions and railway chaplains.