BREWING HOPE AND CONNECTION

The Samaritans are an integral component of our ARL Suicide Prevention Strategy. Their support provides essential training to our business to help staff identify vulnerable passengers and offers one-on-one support following traumatic incidents. This service is free of charge and has no financial implications for our business.

Picture this: without the Samaritans training and support, many of our staff wouldn't be confident to step in during those unfortunate incidents that occasionally happen on the railway. Last year alone, our team intervened in about 65 incidents. That's potentially 65 lives saved on our network! Now, that's what we call making a real difference.

Take a bow, Grace Stephenson, station assistant dispatch! Nominated for the Rail Staff Awards, Grace's outstanding interventions caught the eye of the Samaritans. She's now set to be a star in their next training video. Talk about turning everyday heroes into superstars!

Enter Brew Monday campaigns – our chance to show the human side of a railway company. Colleen Johnston, safety, health and wellbeing specialist, captures the essence perfectly: "It gives us the opportunity to raise awareness around mental health and let people know that they are not on their own and there is help out there. Knowing we are doing the right thing creates a great sense of camaraderie and pride. It allows people the chance to open the conversation easily, creating a safe forum to talk and offer support to some who may not know there is help out there.”

For Gemma Cox, our trespass & welfare manager, the Brew Monday campaign is more than just an event – it's a chance to emphasize the importance of human connection. "I want people to know they are never alone. It was fantastic to support Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign this year and to spread an important message to our customers and colleagues at New Cross Gate." she says, and we couldn't agree more.

For Sarah Hoey, service delivery manager said, "Brew Monday is a really good chance to support people who may be having a difficult time. Together with the Samaritans, we gave away 100s tea bags with contact details on how to get support. As well as this, it was nice to put some smiles on faces on a cold Monday morning!"

This year, we proudly supported Samaritans' Brew Monday campaign at Silver Street and New Cross Gate. It's more than just sipping hot beverages; it's about breaking down barriers, fostering a sense of community, and spreading the message that any day can be challenging – not just 'Blue Monday.'

Let's keep the conversation going, extend a helping hand, and remind each other that we're never alone on this journey. Cheers to unity, compassion, and the magic that happens when we come together!