A woman who works at a Bedfordshire Train Station has spoken about the moment her instincts and training helped save a man’s life, after he tried to enter the railway tracks during her evening shift.
Farhanah Emrith, 24, works as a Revenue Control Officer for Thameslink and was nearing the end of her shift when the incident happened.
“A shirtless man suddenly pushed through the barriers and was mumbling to himself,” said Farhanah.
“He had been drinking a lot of alcohol and I heard him saying he wanted to take his own life, so I dropped what I was doing and put in an emergency call to shut the lines running into the station.”
Farhanah said she relied on training provided by Thameslink and the Samaritans to approach the man calmly and start a conversation.
“I asked if he was okay and what was making him feel this way, and he told me some things had gone wrong in his personal life. I tried to break him out of the negative thought cycle by saying, ‘this isn’t the solution, you’ve got so much to live for’.
“Thankfully, there was a kind off-duty police officer who also wanted to help get this man to safety, so we both talked to him until the British Transport Police arrived and took over.”
The incident happened several months ago, and, reflecting on it now, Farhanah said she’s relieved she was able to keep calm and help.
“As a frontline colleague, the training provided by Thameslink and the Samaritans has been invaluable,” she said.
“It’s given me the confidence to spot a vulnerable person and communicate effectively, while avoiding language which could potentially be triggering.
“It can be challenging approaching someone who is risking their life, however, sometimes it just takes a simple conversation to turn things around.”
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (Wednesday, 10 September), Thameslink is encouraging members of the public to look out for one another when travelling.
If you see someone who may be in emotional distress, you can text the British Transport Police on 61016 or call 999 in an emergency.
Local support
- Bedford Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- Mind BLMK – Local branch of Mind (community support, Crisis Café)
- Suicide Prevention Pathway Service (BLMK) – Support sessions for adults with suicidal thoughts (via GP, NHS 111, A&E, Crisis Café, or self-referral)
- CHUMS Bedfordshire Suicide Bereavement Service – Support for adults and children bereaved by suicide
- Bedford Open Door – Free counselling for young people (13–25)
- The Ollie Foundation – Suicide prevention training and awareness
National helplines:
- Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org
- Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7)
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK (for under 35s) – Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039 967
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight, every day) or webchat via thecalmzone.net
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – Call 0800 689 5652 (24/7)
- SANEline – Call 0300 304 7000 (4pm–10pm, daily)
- Childline – Call 0800 1111 (for children and young people, free, 24/7)
