A MAN who leapt into action to help save the life of someone he spotted having a mental health crisis on a bridge is calling for greater safety measures to be introduced.

Jordan Tomlinson’s partner was driving him to work across Newton Cap Viaduct, at Bishop Auckland, last Tuesday when he saw a young man who appeared to ready to jump off.

Mr Tomlinson got out of his car and, with another passer-by, managed to hold onto the man and keep him safe.

He said: “He looked ready to jump so we just rugby tackled him.

"Things could have gone so differently, but thankfully the lad is still here and managed to get back to his family and is hopefully getting the help he needs and deserves.”

The terrifying incident has prompted Mr Tomlinson, from Crook, to start a petition calling on Durham County Council to increase safety measures on the viaduct.

His plea for the installation of anti-suicide barriers has been signed by more than 2,500 people on the online petition site change.org in less than a week.

It follows a similar petition presented to the council last year which had 6,000 supporters.

The children’s home manager said: “I have worked with mental health for about ten years, I know that in Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Aycliffe, Darlington, the whole of the North East mental ill health is a massive issue due to umpteen factors including economic reasons.

“I’m under no illusion that a barrier is the answer, but I feel like anything that can be done to prevent tragedies and potentially stop someone in crisis harming themselves and slow them down so someone can help should be done.

“I’ve been talking to the local authority and have heard about factors such as wind speed, pedestrian access, traffic and the infrastructure of the viaduct as reasons these barriers cannot be installed but I think if there is a will, there is a way.

“I’ve also spoken to the other guy who helped on Tuesday, and families affected in various ways and many feel more needs to be done. The amount of support for the petitions shows the strength of feeling.”

Durham County Council said it works with partner organisations on a range of mental health and suicide prevention initiatives and will look at extra measures it could take.

Director of public health, Amanda Healy, said: “We are aware of the recent incident and our thoughts are very much with those involved and affected by it in any way.

“We are committed to supporting people with their mental health and the prevention of suicides.

“The Multi-Agency Suicide Prevention Alliance carries out a range of work in the Bishop Auckland area including provision of Samaritans signage and access to support on the viaduct; and engagement with local community, voluntary sector organisations and the NHS to support people with their mental health and wellbeing.

"We are also looking at any potential additional measures or action that can be taken in this vicinity.

“We have been in contact with Mr Tomlinson to offer him appropriate support given his experience earlier this week and have been made aware of the petition.”

 

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