Mark Ashmore

Small Talk expert wins Samaritans Lifesaver Award

Winner of the Samaritans Lifesaver award, Rizwan Javed, who works for MTR Crossrail, was presented with the award, which recognises people who have used their talking and listening skills to save lives, at the Rail Staff Awards at NEC in Birmingham.

ORR TEAm Talk!

The Office of Rail and Road’s York Office, held a “TEAm Talk” to discuss contributing to the Million Hour Challenge

Samaritans Supporting Prisons

Paul Johnson, Samaritans Listening Volunteer

At Network Rail we are fortunate to have five paid volunteer leave days per year, so I have used mine to help the Samaritans. As a Samaritan Listening Volunteer, I have used several days to take-up weekly day time shifts – allowing me to experience some different types of call from those I usually get on my evening, night time and weekend shifts.

MTR Crossrail supporting Samaritans

Tony Brindley at Romford walked the line from Reading to Shenfield – over 70 milesand raised a total of £2,430 for Samaritans an amazing effort which came with its challenges.

Great North Run fundraising

Sophie Wright, South East Route, Network Rail

Part of my day job is working to prevent suicides on the railway, every year there are hundreds of suicides on Britain’s railways. Last summer I took part in the Great North Run to raise Money for Samaritans.
Sophie Wright, South East Route, Network Rail

Volunteer story

Jeff Cutting

I helped a friend once, a long time ago, just by listening. His family noticed an overnight change and thanked me for it. I remember it very clearly. It made a big difference for him and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.

Being a Listening Volunteer

Paul Johnson, Samaritans Listening Volunteer

I decided to do this because I felt an urge to ‘give something back’ to society so I was looking for a way to do this that I could fit around my family life and work.