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A train conductor on the Belfast to Derry train had a very moving message for passengers on World Suicide Prevention Day.

Hundreds of people die by suicide each year in Northern Ireland with some urban areas particularly badly affected.

One big-hearted Translink worker took some time out of his working day to have a heart-to-heart with passengers on the 3pm service.

He said: "When you get onto the train folks, how many of us talk to the person beside us or in front of us even to say hello or good morning - talk about the weather? It rarely happens.

"So folks, some people who may choose to isolate themselves from others - it's not their choice.

"There are people out there who maybe have no family or no friends. There are people that maybe do but find it difficult to express themselves.

"Maybe it is just a smile or a wee chat on the train on the way to work or the way to the shops, but it might bring them from the brink.

"Just a little smile from a stranger to tell them that they are doing well or in any way at all. That might kindle in them the hope that life is a good thing.

"It is bad at times, but it's essentially a gift and it's worth having.

"So, do us a wee favour folks. If you get a minute, go online and check the Samaritans website on ways in which you can help others.

"If you ever find yourself, God forbid, in a situation where you might have to.

"But even if you get on the train or the bus or wherever and you see somebody who might be in in need of a chat - why not initiate a conversation or something because that might be the ray of sunshine for which they have been yearning - you'd never know.

"So folks, thank you very much for listening. Thank you very much for going online and having a look at the Samaritans website on the railway's behalf and thank you very much for being such good people."

After that he got back to business with the announcement: "Now checking all tickets and all passes."

Paul McAleer, 41, caught the poignant message on video and said following a stunned silence, passengers gave the conductor the applause he deserved.

The Queen’s University nursing lecturer told Belfast Live: “I spent years working with people who had mental health problems and felt suicidal and it struck a bit of a chord with me I suppose.

“It was a bit surreal but I think it connected with people on the train.

“There was a bit of a stunned silence and everybody gave a round of applause.

“He spoke with real compassion and empathy and what he was saying was completely valid. It felt really natural for me and was sound, human interpersonal advice.”

The transport worker’s message went down well on Twitter after Paul, from Portglenone shared it, with many praising his efforts.

A Translink spokesperson said: "We worked closely in partnership with The Samaritans to raise public awareness about World Suicide Prevention Day and the charity’s ‘small talk saves lives’ railway campaign.

"Throughout the day, some of our train conductors made short announcements on board services to raise awareness about the campaign which is designed to help save lives.

CLICK HERE to find out more.

If you feel that you need support, please contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 .

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