Representatives from a number of groups turned out for World Suicide Prevention Day

Rail passengers were given the chance to share their thoughts as part of an awareness event.

In the build up to World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday (10 September), volunteers from emotional support services and the rail industry covered over 1200 miles on trains, listening to passengers from communities across Scotland talk about whatever was on their minds.

Representatives from ScotRail, the Railway Mission, Samaritans, Breathing Space, Network Rail, SAMH, British Transport Police and others took part in the events in and around the rail network in Scotland.

Ruth McBean, railway chaplain based in Edinburgh, said: “We’ve spoken to a huge number of people going through all sorts of difficult issues at the moment. What has been heart-breaking is the large number of these people who have been affected by suicide in some way, either personally or with close family members, friends and neighbours. All were really grateful for an opportunity to talk about it.”

Those involved greeted passengers with water, travel card holders and information on sources of advice and support. They also made themselves available to talk, and also to listen.

Samaritans’ regional director for Scotland, Sheila Ottiwell said: “We were delighted to be supporting these events with ScotRail, Breathing Space and others as part of suicide prevention awareness week. Suicide affects so many people each year, and these community events can help us reach a huge number of people across Scotland.”