Ealing Central and Acton MP Dr Rupa Huq joined Ealing, Hammersmith & Hounslow Samaritans volunteers today (27 March 2026) at Ealing Broadway station to promote a national campaign encouraging people to start conversations with strangers who may be struggling.
The visit formed part of the charity’s Small Talk Saves Lives initiative, which has been running since 2017 in partnership with Network Rail and the British Transport Police. The campaign urges members of the public to engage with people who appear distressed in settings such as railway stations, if it is safe to do so.
Juliet Medforth, co-director of the Samaritans branch based in South Ealing, said: “We want to move people from being bystanders to standing by. Together, we can create a network of support where every conversation counts.”
She added: “Your words can be a life-saving kit. If you see someone who doesn’t look OK, a little small talk could save their life. Anyone can do it.”
Dr Huq said the initiative was particularly relevant amid what she described as a “loneliness epidemic”, adding she was “pleased to support it”.
A survey commissioned by Samaritans found two-thirds of respondents said they would be more likely to speak to a stranger if they knew it could have a positive impact. However, more than half of those surveyed believed small talk is becoming less common, while 78% said they had avoided it in the past.
The charity can be contacted free on 116 123.
