Teenagers praised for heroic interventions
Three teenagers have been praised for their heroic interventions in reaching out to someone in distress.
Jayden Burden, 14, and 16-year-old friends Grace Hewer and Ruby Parker stepped up after spotting a person in a vulnerable state this summer.
Grace called British Transport Police, before she and Ruby struck up conversation with the person – and Jayden contacted Network Rail to ask them for further support.
Great Western Railway Flagship Station Manager for the Bristol area, Alex Hills, said:
“These three teenagers showed incredible quick-thinking and acted on instinct. Everyone at Great Western Railway is incredibly proud of these three young people and can’t praise them enough for their quick-thinking.”
Network Rail station delivery manager, Gabriella Colwell, said:
“The actions taken by Jayden, Grace and Ruby were remarkable – each of them took the initiative in a challenging situation. We’d like to thank them for showing such courage.
“Throughout the year, we work with Samaritans to show that each of us has the skills to help with a person in distress and these three teenagers proved that with their quick-thinking and level-headed actions. They are a brilliant example to us all.”
Train enthusiast Jayden attends Ravenswood special education school in Nailsea, who presented him with a special award for maturity and braveness.
Jayden’s Dad Rob said:
“Jayden likes to keep himself to himself but he really stepped out of his comfort zone on this occasion. We are so proud of him as he took charge of the situation, asked for help and possibly saved a person’s life.”
Grace, who started at Weston College in September, said:
“I just tried to calm them down and reassure them everything was going to be ok. I didn’t really have time to think. It was just instinct.”
Samaritans has worked in partnership with the rail industry and British Transport Police to reduce suicides on the railway for more than 10 years, and has trained over 31,000 rail and BTP staff to look out for passengers and make conversation if they feel someone might be vulnerable.
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org
Contact Information
John Carter
Media and Communications Manager
Great Western Railway
0845 410 4444
Notes to editors
Main picture: Jayden Burden and Grace Hewer; inset, Jayden and Grace with GWR Safeguarding Manager Louise Lucas and GWR Flagship Station Manager for the Bristol area, Alex Hills
Samaritans' media guidelines for reporting suicide can be viewed here.
About Samaritans
Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help. Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and around 20,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us. You can follow Samaritans on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About Great Western Railway
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services and helps more than 80 million passengers reach their destination every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to operate the Great Western network: https://www.gwr.com/about-us