Four City Business Improvement Districts have joined forces with the Ascension Trust to help prevent suicides on and around the City of London bridges.

Eastern City, Culture Mile, Aldgate Connect and Cheapside Business Alliance have each pledged £10,000 to Bridgewatch, which will be used for training purposes and funding volunteers.

Over 5000 people in the United Kingdom die by suicide each year.  That is 115 a week. The Ascension Trust works closely with the City of London Police, RNLI, the City of London Corporation and other key organisations to provide a physical presence of teams of volunteers to patrol areas on and around bridges in the City.

Every single suicide is a preventable tragedy that impacts families, friends, colleagues and entire communities and has devasting and long-lasting effects on the people left behind. One in five people have suicidal thoughts. One in 14 people self-harm and one in 15 people attempt suicide.

Henry Johnstone, COO of the Eastern City BID, representing all 4 City BIDs, said: “Today is World Suicide Prevention Day under the theme of Changing the Narrative of Suicide.

“We have a duty of care to protect people who visit and work in the City of London.  The City BIDs are delighted to help support Bridgewatch by funding prevention and awareness training as well as supporting those who volunteer.”

Paul Maloney, Bridgewatch lead, said: “Today, Bridgewatch will be carrying out 12 hours of patrols across the five City of London bridges, starting at 5am and finishing at 5pm. Please drop by and see us at Tower Pier, by the entrance to the Tower of London.

“Suicide is not inevitable.  You can interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts. You could save a life. If you think someone may be suicidal take action and show them you care.

“I would like to thank the BIDs for their generous donation to Bridgewatch. The Partnership with the BIDs will enable the recruitment, onboarding and comprehensive training of new volunteers that will allow us to increase the number of patrols that take place each week. This will enable more people to intervene with those in distress, support individuals  and signpost them to appropriate services and organisations. The partnership will involve increased training of those who live and work in the City. Providing more people to intervene with anyone they come across who need help. It will save more lives.”

A Bridgewatch volunteer added: “You will get a sense of community; you will be doing something good. There are benefits to your own mental health, wellbeing.  You are walking.  You are outdoors. And there is a possibility you’re going to save someone’s life, like literally someone’s life.  For me, if you’ve got the time to do it and the energy and you can walk, it’s a no-brainer that you would do this.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, make a donation or find out about on-line training, email bridgewatch@ascensiontrust.org.uk