THE FACES BEHIND THE VOICE
ALICE KNIGHT
The creator of the documentary
My name is Alice Knight and I'm a final year Multimedia Journalism student at Bournemouth University.
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As part of my final project, I decided to produce a seven minute radio documentary revolving around the topic of railway suicide. The focus being on the journey to recovery two train drivers took following such a traumatic event and the support available to them afterwards.
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I think it's ever so important that we highlight the support available to drivers who have witnessed suicide so that they know that they are not alone, that support is out there and that they can and will get better.
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I would like to thank all of the people that took the time to speak to me and be part of my documentary. Without their help it wouldn't have been possible.
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ANDY BOTHAM
Train driver
Andy has been a train driver since 1990.
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Almost two decades ago he witnessed somebody taking their own life by jumping in front of his train.
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Following the event he continued to work as a driver.
However, he also took up a role within the trade union, ASLEF, as a Union Representative at East Midlands trains.
Whilst he understands that we will never stop rail fatalities, he wants to do everything he can to "improve the aftercare and support system for train drivers who have been involved in it". ​
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To read a BBC article on Andy's experience click here.
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JAMIE MATTERFACE
Former train driver
Since August 2018, Jamie has held the title of Deputy Driver Depot Manager at London, Waterloo.
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She is responsible for the competence of 52 drivers as well as the usual HR and line management requirements of any organisation.
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Prior to this, Jamie was a driver manager based in Salisbury.
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Before this, she had been a driver for 15 years and it was in December 2015 that she experienced suicide at work.
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STEVEN TOLLERTON
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Samaritans
Years ago, when Steven working in pharmaceuticals, people used to approach him with their problems.
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During one week at work, two people suggested that he become a Samaritan's listener and so he decided to do just that.
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He now provides trauma support training to railway personnel who are affected by railway fatalities. This includes managers, cleaners, guards and train drivers. The support aims to give people the tools to cope after witnessing suicide at work.
CHRIS BERRIMAN
Samaritans
Chris has been a Samaritans listener for 2 years. This means he listens and speaks to anybody who rings the Samaritans 24 hour help line on certain days of the week.
In the last 6 months, he has been a Network Rail Samaritans trainer and, like Steven, he will soon provide trauma support training to railway personnel.
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Whilst he doesn't feature in the documentary, he gave me invaluable information about the Samaritans and their work.
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LIAM JOHNSTON
Executive Director of Railway Mission
Liam oversees and manages the day to day management of the organisation and the supervision of staff.
The charity relies on donations and Liam is responsible raising the profile of Railway Mission, helping with fundraising.
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As well as this, he is also the Senior chaplain to the rail industry and the British Transport Police.
He responds to major incidents as well as day to day issues within the rail industry when the issues are more difficult for local chaplains to deal with.
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BRIAN THOMAS
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
Brian is the Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Clinical Lead for Nuffield Health and delivers supervision and induction training to the Nuffield Health in house therapy team.
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He has worked in the mental health field for 26 years, with experience in both group and individual psychotherapy within the NHS and the Private sector.
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During his career, he has worked with six train drivers who have experienced suicide at work.