This shows the Southsea end of Portsmouth from the Isle of Wight Ferry. I went to school behind those trees.
Genteel Southsea rather held its skirts away from the main city, I felt, a city that had not recovered from the Second World War and the subsequent reduction in British sea power. Once, on the way to the ferry, I took my family to sea the ugliest building in Britain, the brutalist Tricorn car park, a favourite suicide spot. Our big car park in Canterbury was not so ugly, except that it too attracted would-be suicides. Whatever the buildings’ style, they were places of great sadness; we are better off without them.
Of course getting rid of multi-storey car parks cannot take away people’s distress. But sometimes it falls to us to help, even if just to be there with them.
The rest of this post is from the Samaritans’ website. Worth reading for the odd moment when something feels not quite right.
MMB
How you can help
Suicidal feelings can be overwhelming, but they will pass.
How someone behaves in this brief window is as unique as the individual themselves. But there are signs you can look out for.
Signs someone may need help
- Looking distant, withdrawn or upset
- Standing alone or in an isolated spot
- Staying on the platform for long periods of time/failing to catch trains that stop
Someone looking out of place or a feeling that ‘something isn’t quite right’. If you feel that way about someone, trust your instincts and try to help.
Approaching someone in need
We know that when a person is suicidal having someone to talk to them and listen to them, and showing that they are not alone, can encourage them to seek support. There is no evidence that talking to someone who could be at risk will ‘make things worse’.
A little small talk can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help start them on a journey to recovery. If you think that someone might need help, trust your instincts and strike up a conversation, with a comment about the weather for example. Life-saving questions used by rail staff to help people have included:
- Do you need any help?
- What’s your name?
- It’s a warm evening isn’t it?
- What train are you going to get?
So strike up a conversation if you feel comfortable and it’s safe to do so. Or tell a member of staff or call 999. Your involvement could help save someone’s live.
What you can do if the person needs further help
If you sense the person might need help after your initial approach, then you could ask directly if they’re ok.
You could introduce yourself and encourage them to talk if you can, and listen. You could then offer to take them to a safer environment where you’re able to get them the right support.
Tell a member of railway staff as soon as you can, or call 999.
Rail safety
We do not recommend you make any kind of physical contact. If the situation is an emergency, eg the person in on the track, tell station staff or call 999 immediately. Do not go onto the railway line under any circumstances.
Looking after yourself
Interventions make a huge and positive difference. It can be emotional and if you feel you would like some support after making an intervention or would like to talk to someone about it, you can speak to Samaritans by calling 116 123.
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