A train conductor has become an online hit after he gave his passengers a pep talk and encouraged them to reach out to their friends, family and even strangers to help them if they are struggling with their mental health.
One passenger recorded the message and posted it online and the conductor has been widely praised for his healthy caring address.
The incident took place on Tuesday – World Suicide Prevention Day – on the Translink train travelling from Belfast to Derry. The conductor recommended his passengers visit the Samaritans website for tips on how to help people who are struggling with their mental wellbeing.
He said: “I think when we get on the train folks, how many of us talk to the people around us, even if just to say hello, or talk about the weather or the state of the roads? It rarely happens.
“So folks although some people choose to isolate themselves from others, for some people it’s not their choice. There are people out there who have maybe no family and friends, or maybe they do but find it difficult to express themselves.
“Maybe if it’s just a smile or a wee chat on the train on the way to work or the way to the shops, that might bring them from the brink, just a little smile from a stranger to tell them that they’re doing well.
“To kindle in them the hope that life is a great thing, OK it can be bad at times but it’s essentially good, it’s a gift and it’s worth having.”
The conductor then requested his passengers take a look at the Samaritans website to pick up tips about how to spot if someone they know is suffering with depression and the best actions to take to help them.
He finished: “So if you see somebody who might be in need of a wee bit of a chat, why not initiate a conversation with them? Because that might be the ray of sunshine for which they’ve been yearning. You never know”
The unnamed conductor has received wide praise online for his message. Take a look at the video below, and if you want to learn more then visit the samaritans.com.
