Welcome to the Northbank BID Mental Health – Understanding Suicide discussion.
Join us for a discussion on mental health and understanding some of the processes that underlie suicidal thoughts.
In 2018, 30 people drowned in the river, accounting for 8% of drowning-related deaths nationally. Over the year, there were 688 recorded cases of people threatening to enter the Thames to take their life. 105 people actually entered the water, triggering interventions by the emergency services.
Suicide is the most frequent cause of drowning in the River Thames, accounting for 90% of all deaths. Suicide related incidents account for approximately one half of the Search and Rescue (SAR) missions on the river.
Hear from those involved directly in the field as they present to you their story and answer questions in a Q&A session. Also, we will show a short film including the story of a man who wanted to take his life but was approached by a memebr of the public who was able to stop this.
Panellists:
Mark Towens, Harbour Master Upper, Port of London Authority and Chair of the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum
Yvonne Saunderson, NHS Police Liaison Officer, Marine Police Suicide Prevention Team
Mark Chafty, Mental Health Nurse, NHS Police Liaison Team
Neil Withers, Area Lifesaving Manager – South East (Area 11 London & Thames), RNLI
Emma Fraser, Senior Development Officer, Community Safety Policy and Projects, London Fire Brigade
John Warner, HM Coastguard
Agenda:
12:30 – 13:00 – Registration and Lunch
13:00 – 14:00 – Presentations and discussion
14:00 – 14:15 – Q & A
14:15 – 14:30 – Close and Networking
Aims:
The BID is offering this FREE of charge to make the Northbank a better place to be and work. We anticipate high volumes of interest for this workshop, register to avoid disappointment.
Email or call the BID office with any questions at gerald@thenorthbank.london or 0203 697 9277
Lunch will be provided.
20 February 2025
On-street security briefings take place on the third Thursday of the month at 11am in The Northbank. These briefings are for those with an interest in the safety and security of the area, particularly those working in security. Last month’s briefing focused on the new pedestrianised space, Strand Aldwych, and addressed security concerns such as phone snatching and theft. To receive invites please register for security updates here.
15 May 2025
On-street security briefings take place on the third Thursday of the month at 11am in The Northbank. These briefings are for those with an interest in the safety and security of the area, particularly those working in security. Last month’s briefing focused on the new pedestrianised space, Strand Aldwych, and addressed security concerns such as phone snatching and theft. To receive invites please register for security updates here.
