World Mental Health Day 2019

Thursday, 20 October 2022
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Mental health can affect anyone, at any time, on any day of the year. Today, Thursday 10 th October, is World Mental Health Day, a day to highlight the importance of mental health and how you can support those who suffer in silence.

Earlier this year the Office for National Statistics published the suicide rates for the UK for 2018. The number of deaths recorded in Great Britain was 6,154 which is 12% more than the 5,491 in 2017. Of those, 260 or 4.2% took their lives on the railway. However, thanks to our front-line staff who work closely with mental health charities such as Samaritans , this figure was lower than the previous year.

With a range of initiatives in place across our network we are confident that our West Midlands Railway team, work extremely hard in doing everything they can to help prevent suicide on our railway.

At West Midlands Railway, mental health is something we don’t take lightly.

Jordan’s Story

Jordan O’Sullivan, Revenue and Security Manager at West Midlands Railway, was on his way home exiting Marston Green Station. Luckily, Jordan looked back and noticed a gentleman acting suspiciously at the end of one of the platforms. Without hesitation, Jordan ran back to the station and ordered the trains to be stopped, whilst he went to talk to the distressed man, Jordan’s caring nature had shown through, as this unfortunate event had in fact been the gentleman attempting to try and take his own life.

After talking to the man, he agreed to leave the station and return to a place of safety. However, worried that he may return, Jordan accompanied the gentleman and pointed him towards the local Police who could help look after his welfare.

It is acts like this from quick thinking people like Jordan which makes us appreciate how committed our team members are in providing the right care to our customers every day.

To thank Jordan, Head of On Board at West Midlands Railway, Steven Fisher, presented Jordan with a ‘Golden Ticket’ reward, for his vigilance and quick thinking that prevented a fatality on the railway.

So, whatever you are going through, or whatever you may be feeling right now, suicide is preventable.

If you, or anyone you know needs to talk to someone, Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer a helping hand. Call 116 123 for free, or, visit the Samaritans website for more support information.