The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Samaritans Lifesaver Award

Dave Martin

Said the following about Rizwan Javed:

“Rizwan has been praised by his colleagues a number of times for his active work on platforms, safeguarding vulnerable passengers. Rizwan has been involved in over 20 lifesaving interventions and is fast becoming an ambassador for safeguarding on the western section of the route.

He has gone above and beyond when working for MTR Crossrail and continues to strive in the workplace, recently gaining promotion to the Duty Customer Experience Manager role thanks to his leadership and knowledge. He is a team player who shows great initiative whilst on the job and always has a smile on his face. One incident that took place was when he saved a woman's life, he spoke to her and calmed her down as she was going to commit suicide because it was the anniversary of her father committing suicide at the station. She came back a week later and thanked him for his efforts.

He comes across these situations frequently and deals with them in a professional and effective manner and should be recognised by everyone. Rizwan has a positive attitude towards his work and is dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives.

Another incident occurred where he saved a couple from running across the tracks and also spoke a man who was an alcoholic where he took him to a safe place where he calmed down.

Rizwan has prevented many people from ending their lives and made the railway environment safer for both his colleagues and customers. His manager said, “Rizwan has shown a passion for lifesaving interventions – the diligence he has shown whilst working has helped him identify multiple vulnerable and suicidal individuals and even groups. In every instances Rizwan takes responsibility from the start of the event right through to the end when other agencies may become involved. As well as this day to day vigilance Rizwan has worked with Samaritans and our own Community Team to promote the interagency work and attempts to reduce fatality instances across the railway network.” Rizwan is never one to ask for praise, it is important that Rizwan receives the recognition he deserves for protecting so many people on a daily basis and making a positive impact on the lives of so many people who could have been involved in a tragic incident. Not all heroes wear capes.“

Lisa Gillman

Said the following about Rizwan Javed:

“Rizwan has the ability to recognise vulnerable customers very quickly. He was recently working at a station where he recognised that a customer had been on the station for a longer than usual period. When he spoke to the customer it was apparent that all was not well. The customer was known to be extremely vulnerable. Rizwan, at the time, was showing two other new members of the team around the station. Rizwan leads by example when working on any station in all areas but is a shining example when it comes to ensuring our customers are kept safe.“

Robert Gough

Said the following about Rizwan Javed:

“I have nominated Rizwan for this award, owing to his outstanding contribution towards saving lives on the railway. To this date I am aware that since attending a Managing Suicide Contacts course in March 2015, he has made 25 Samaritans verified lifesaving interventions.

What strikes everyone when they meet Rizwan, is his calm demeanour and an ability to make people feel comfortable around him. He has used the training and his own high levels of inter personal communication skills to literally change people's lives.

He is an outstanding individual, who embodies everything that I would wish from a member of staff working in such a challenging environment as he has done. His patience, calmness and ability to emphasise and support individuals in crisis, to step forward and never step back, is more than admirable. It is deserving of the highest recognition with this award.“

Delia Descartes

Said the following about Rizwan Javed:

“I first met Rizwan at Ealing Broadway before the TUPE and spoke about his first suicide intervention during the first two weeks being on the railway, immediately I was touched by his story. I always hear about Rizwan’s actions at work, helping vulnerable passengers and hearing amazing involvement with Samaritans.

Good Samaritan is when a person who helps a vulnerable without seeking recognition, faces harsh situations without any prejudice. Rizwan deserves the Samaritans Lifesaver Award because he is a selfless act of kindness.“

J Ashraf

Said the following about Rizwan Javed:

“Excellent customer service and communication skills.“