TfL Worker Credits Samaritans Training for Saving Over 30 Lives

Rizwan Javed, a Transport for London (TfL) worker at Paddington station, has been credited with saving at least 34 lives by engaging people in conversation and offering support. Javed, 36, utilized training from the Samaritans, a suicide prevention charity, to help individuals contemplating ending their lives.

His approach involves initiating simple conversations, such as commenting on the weather or offering a cup of tea, to interrupt a person's thought process. "It's just about engaging in that conversation and interrupting that person's thought process," Javed told the Daily Mail. "I might just say, 'Hi, you look like you could do with a cup of tea.' It can be as simple as 'Hello, how are you today?'"

Samaritans' research indicates that many people are hesitant to intervene when they perceive someone is in distress. The charity's new campaign, "Interruptions," aims to encourage the public to take simple actions to connect with those struggling. According to the research, a significant portion of adults cite fear of saying the wrong thing, making the situation worse, or invading privacy as reasons for not intervening. Additionally, many feel unconfident in recognizing signs of distress.

Javed explained that his training taught him to look for signs of distress in individuals, but also emphasized the importance of trusting one's instincts. "Sometimes there's no specific signs, and you're just taught to trust your instincts. If you feel something is wrong, challenge it, build a conversation with that person," he said.

He recalled his first significant intervention with a young woman at the station, with whom he spoke for two hours. This intervention led to her family being contacted and police support being called. Weeks later, the woman returned to the station to thank him for saving her life. "That one woman will always stick with me because she was my age and she returned to tell me she was ok," Javed said. He added that people in vulnerable situations may turn to strangers or the railway because they anticipate never seeing that person again.

Javed believes that "a simple conversation could change a person's life," a sentiment that is part of the Samaritans' public awareness campaign. Messages from the charity are displayed in various London locations to promote discussion around mental health.

Initially, Javed kept his experiences to himself, but he found that sharing his story, including on social media, has helped him process the events and has inspired others globally. He was awarded an MBE in 2024 for his efforts.

"A lot of people get in touch and say it has given them the confidence to step in and disrupt that person's thought process," he stated. "We've all got loved ones and we never want anyone to go through that. A problem shared is a problem halved, and if someone shares around you, then show a bit of empathy and a bit of love, care. Because that could be your family member tomorrow."

Javed expressed his belief that everyone possesses the ability to have such conversations. "I'm not a very confident person but I've managed to do it and I think everyone can," he said. "We just need to continue spreading awareness."

The Samaritans' campaign highlights that many British adults still find conversations about mental health uncomfortable or are concerned about causing offense. The charity emphasizes that suicidal thoughts can be interrupted and encourages people to simply ask if someone is okay, as it could be life-saving.

Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, stated, "Suicidal thoughts can be interrupted, and this is hugely important. This campaign is all about reminding people as they go about their daily lives that a small interruption can make a huge difference."

For confidential support, Samaritans can be contacted free by calling 116 123 in the UK, or visited online at samaritans.org.