Following their Suicide Prevention Conference on World Suicide Awareness day 2024, Southeastern railway have published their joint Suicide Prevention. Southeastern, Network Rail Kent Route (NR) and British Transport Police (BTP), as part of their Tripartite Agreement, are working in partnership to reduce fatalities on our railway. This strategy encompasses the vision and workstreams across the tripartite.

The strategy acknowledges that suicides are not inevitable & the executive summary by Steve White, MD states: “we appreciate the likelihood of reaching a point of zero suicide on our network is unlikely, this will however, always be our vision. Collectively, with industry approved partners we should, and will, aim to prevent every suicide we possibly can. It is important to be mindful that suicide rates can be influenced by factors outside of our control, however, we are dedicated to working towards our vision and where we can make a difference, we will”.

Priority areas for action include: Utilise data and evidence to ensure that effective, evidence-informed and timely interventions continue to be adapted Work with and signpost to external agencies and partners who provide tailored, targeted support to priority groups. Promote responsible media reporting and communications to reduce suicide contagion. Provide effective trauma support mechanisms for staff and post incident response to passengers exposed to rail suicide Reduce access to means of suicide on the railway infrastructure through target hardening and focus on mitigation measures Make suicide everybody’s business so that we can maximise our collective impact and support to prevent suicides

Collette Windsor, Trespass and Suicide Reduction Manager states: “I am honoured to be leading on such a vital part of the work across the tripartite. Our new strategy sets out an ambitious vision and workstreams for the next three years”.