Introduction
All on Board is a partnership between Network Rail and the NHS, working in communities to encourage recognition of the signs of poor mental health and contributing risk factors, improve confidence to intervene and to promote and signpost to local and national services that can support those who are experiencing poor mental health both at stations and in the wider community.
Our vision is to lead in the delivery of a service that works within our communities and with a wide range of partners to reduce suicide and promote help seeking before a person reaches crisis.
Currently we have a Mental Health Specialist Lead nurse working with us nationally, as well as nurses on Anglia and Merseyrail. Our ambition is to have mental health professionals in each region of our rail networks.
Activities
Training for staff who work at train stations in Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention. This has extended beyond the station and into the community and has included drug and alcohol services, security personnel and shopping mall staff.
Working with British Transport Police and the NHS to put safety plans in place for individuals who are at risk of coming to the railway, or those who may have been involved in a previous incident.
Awareness/ signposting events, with partner organisations such as the Samaritans; Rail Pastors; Chasing The Stigma; Mental Health Innovations that coincide with national days/ weeks such as Mental Health Awareness Week and Men’s Health Week. Alongside charities/ voluntary organisations our events include a mixture of people with lived experience, the NHS, public health and wellbeing groups and smaller lesser known charities. These are held both in the train station, and in the local community.
The production of ‘Directories’ that recognise that suicide is rarely due to one factor but multiple vulnerabilities. These are given out at events, and at our escalated locations. An escalated location involves us supporting a community that has been identified as being at risk.
Monthly focus groups with service users and carers, who may have been affected by suicide, to give their expert voice on planned activities.
Know the acronym
Our Mental Health Nurse developed a simple acronym, ‘RAILS’, that is taught at the mental health awareness / suicide prevention training that we deliver. Anyone can use this to help guide them if they suspect a person may be in crisis.
Using the acronym ‘RAILS’ equips everyone with the skills to respond to a mental health emergency:
Materials
Directory
The All On Board Directory provides a list of national helplines for a variety of services.
Safety Plan
Use this guide and template to help you or help someone else make a safety plan.
Who We Are
Find out more about us and our strategic outcomes.
Expanded RAILS
Discover how to support someone experiencing a mental health emergency with RAILS.
My Communication Card
A tool a person can use to communicate to others when they may not be able to find the spoken words.
Hub of Hope contact cards
A variety of designs to appeal to different demographics. We hold a limited supply, please use the contact form below for enquiries.
You can complete an online training course from the Zero Suicide Alliance, teaching you the skills and confidence to have a potentially life-saving conversation with someone you’re worried about. There are also specific versions; for university students, for veterans and looking at social isolation.
The whole training lasts 20 minutes; and you get a certificate at the end. Why not undertake it on your next commute!?
Need help?
If you are struggling with your mental health, our recommendation as a place to start is the Hub of Hope.
There are also a number of other services available (listed below).
The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time.
You can find the telephone number for the local NHS ‘crisis line’. NHS Mental Health urgent helplines support people of all ages. You can call for yourself or someone else. You will be able to speak to a mental health professional.
Samaritans is a 24/7 service that provides a listening ear for someone; no matter what the problem.
It is confidential and free.
Call 116-123
Text Shout is a relatively new text service for people who may be experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts.
It is also 24 hours 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Text ‘shout’ on 85258
Young people can also access this service: Text ‘YM’ to 85258
Contact us
Please note: This mailbox is not monitored regularly, and a person that is struggling with their mental health, or worried about someone that is, should use the services listed above. If you are worried about immediate safety call 999.
