He used to be one of the pioneer DJ cum Presenters on PeaceFM. Infact, he made listening to \u201cadadamu\u201d the vogue on radio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nat \u201cSankofa Tete\u201d Arthur is the name. He relocsted to the UK a couple of years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nathaniel Arthur, from East Croydon, has worked on the railways for three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He has twice been involved in life-saving episodes, and his prompt action has been recognised with a lifesaver\u2019s award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here, he shares his experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe first intervention I made on the railway was about two years into the job. I had just helped a passenger on to a train and noticed a middle-aged woman on her own crying on the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe kept looking at our customer information board, but it was clear she was upset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI approached calmly and tried to start a conversation with her. But she was reluctant to speak to me. She started to walk away and then boarded one of our trains, but I had a feeling deep down that something wasn\u2019t right. I kept an eye on her and asked my colleague to contact the British Transport Police, who were able to get on the train with her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was clear the lady needed help, so I was glad to pick up on the behaviour even though I was quite nervous as I\u2019d never been in that situation before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnfortunately, I had to make another intervention more recently. Again, I spotted a woman on her own \u2013 this time, she was standing extremely close to the edge of the platform, which immediately raised alarm bells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI got closer to her and started talking very calmy, asking if she was ok, if there was anything I could do to help. She was adamant that she wanted to stay where she was, it was clear she was very distressed and emotional. I stayed with her, just talking and gradually moving closer and closer to her until I was able to persuade her to move away from the platform edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI stayed and sat down with her talking until the BTP came to help. It was very worrying because she was clearly in a dark place in her life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut sadly she\u2019s not alone in feeling like that. I\u2019m grateful to have had the suicide prevention training from work and the Samaritans to help me feel more confident in approaching these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWorking at a station comes with a lot of risks, and you have to be prepared to face a number of situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen my children found out I had received a lifesaver award, they were incredibly proud.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nathanial Arthur\u2019s employers, Govia Thameslink Railway, say that if someone is thinking of taking their life, they should contact the Samaritans. The calls can be made at any time and are always free from any phone on 116123, even a mobile without credit and it won\u2019t show up on your phone bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laura Campbell, GTR\u2019s Suicide Prevention Manager, shares the vital Dos and Don\u2019ts that they advise their staff to follow when approaching a vulnerable person:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Phone 999 immediately if you are very concerned about someone\u2019s behaviour at a station<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let a member of staff or fellow passenger know if you are going to approach the individual<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Approach carefully and slowly, from the side if possible<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try to start a conversation \u2013 whatever comes naturally<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try to move them to a safe place and find somewhere quiet to talk<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask open questions: these are helpful as they encourage people to talk through their problems<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask how they feel: Being invited to say how they\u2019re feeling could be a big relief \u2013 and you may find out more about what they\u2019re really worried about<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DON\u2019T<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Put yourself between the person and the tracks<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Go on the tracks under any circumstances<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give advice<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the individual doesn\u2019t want help, try not to put any pressure on them. Stay nearby and do not leave them on their own<\/p>\n\n\n\n