To mark Mental Health Awareness Week (18 – 24 May), Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) shone a light on how caring colleagues went above and beyond to help some of the most vulnerable in their time of need.

Every day, colleagues working across GTR’s Thameslink, Great Northern, Gatwick Express and Southern routes make sure passengers complete their journeys safely, and they are quick to raise the alarm when they notice someone in distress or behaving unusually.

GTR’s vision is for ‘Zero Harm’ on the railway with one life lost being one too many. Last year at least 327 potentially life-saving interventions took place, where staff have talked to someone they believe to be at risk. The Train Operator has been training colleagues to approach vulnerable people and as a result has seen a 57{08402cc4e02dcaebae1e086294c932f9e8c0e4836b71c17abd5ce9cddb0123b9} increase in potentially life-saving approaches. This year, 45 interventions have taken place so far.

Before lockdown, GTR held a ceremony at its London headquarters for 19 col-leagues from across the network who had taken potentially life-saving action.

Head of Safety and Environment Mark Whitley, who hosted the ceremony, told the attendees: “This event is a moment to reflect on the amazing actions you have taken to care for the vulnerable. It’s amazing to meet real life heroes. You have seen something that doesn’t look right and you have stepped in and have shown you care.”