Network Rail joins Samaritans to help cut tragic toll of suicides on Britain's tracks

Overall suicide rates in the UK have been declining steadily for the past 10 years.

But, at 200 deaths a year, suicides on the railways have remained relatively unchanged.

Each year, the deaths can cost NR about 15m solely in compensation payments to train companies. The partnership will include:

n Training for NR and train company staff in how to identify potentially suicidal people and intervene in a potential suicide, and on dealing with the impact of suicide on railways staff

n Developing a suicide response service with Samaritans branches to ensure support is available in the aftermath of a suicide

n National communications campaigns increasing awareness of Samaritans' support services for those who feel suicidal, targeting high-risk groups

n Working with the media to ensure responsible reporting of suicides, reducing the likelihood of copycat suicides.

Samaritans chief executive Catherine Johnstone said: "This innovative new partnership comes at a vital time, as we are likely to see an increase in suicides as a result of the recession over the coming years. Although we have been working with rail companies for many years, this will be the first time the industry has taken action on this scale to reduce suicides on the railways.

NR chief executive Iain Coucher said: "Every year there are too many suicides on the railway. Every one of these is a tragedy. We will do what we can to reduce this tragic toll.

"That is why we have entered into this important partnership with Samaritans. Their expertise and insight will help us together train our people in managing this sensitive and vital issue."