Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards has recognised Southeastern’s work to prevent people harming themselves on the railway.

The latest figures show that frontline staff have made more than 200 potentially life-saving interventions across the network since April.

Their work has led to Southeastern receiving the ‘Champion Award’ at the 2024 Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards, organised by Mind in Bexley and East Kent.

Southeastern colleagues are offered specialist training developed by the Samaritans on how to identify, approach and support a potentially suicidal person.

Collette Windsor, Southeastern’s Trespass & Suicide Reduction Manager, said: “Every suicide is a tragedy and has a huge impact on the loved ones of the person involved, as well as our staff and passengers who witness incidents.

“The training we provide gives our frontline colleagues the skills to approach people they’re concerned about – and from the large number of successful interventions so far this year, we know it’s making a huge difference.

“We’re incredibly proud to have been recognised for our work to reduce suicides on the railway and we will continue to work with our partners and charities to support people at risk of harm.”

Southeastern’s ‘Pass It On’ campaign was also named the Kent Suicide Prevention Project.

It encourages people working in mental health, social services, probation, the police, drug and alcohol agencies, housing departments and community safety partnerships to share information about people at risk of harming themselves on the railway.

Southeastern then works proactively to develop safety plans and to ensure people are directed to the appropriate support.

Dr David Palmer, CEO of Mind in Bexley and East Kent, emphasised the growing importance of mental health support: “Now more than ever, mental health services are critical. The challenges posed post pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, rising poverty, financial stress and global political upheavals have severely impacted public mental health.

“Many individuals and families live with the impacts of mental anxieties and stresses everyday – they can be hugely debilitating so accessible support and local networks must be clearly and readily in place whenever someone feels they need that vital extra help or connection.

“These annual awards are important in highlighting innovative and successful local interventions, as well as the inspirational stories of organisations, services, individuals and residents who have worked tirelessly to make a difference in their communities. These remarkable people have shown dedication to improving mental health, and their contributions are truly commendable.”

Originally posted by Rail Business Daily