London Bridge City security teams complete Suicide Intervention for a Safer Thames training

Security teams working at London Bridge City have completed Suicide Intervention Training for a Safer Thames, a programme initiated and created by the Thames Skills Academy to help organisations working on or near the tidal Thames support people in distress.  Suicide is the leading cause of death on the tidal Thames.

On 27 January, the London Bridge City security team took part in two dedicated sessions of the three-hour in-person training, with John Reynolds, Head of Security and Safety at London Bridge City (CIS Security) one of the team taking part. With half a mile of river frontage along the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, and a total of 21.5 acres of space, London Bridge City is a well-known and lively mixed-use area. 

Designed specifically by the Thames Skills Academy for people who work on or alongside the Thames, the training provides practical guidance on recognising signs of distress, starting calm supportive conversations and knowing when and how to call for additional help, while also supporting the wellbeing of those delivering the intervention.

Thames Skills Academy’s CEO Dr Katherine Riggs and London Bridge City’s Head of Security, John Reynolds, with some of CIS Security who attended the Suicide Intervention for a Safer Thames training.

John Reynolds said: “My team at London Bridge City deal with a large number of people who are in crisis. This training is hugely important for me to understand that we're speaking to those in crisis in the correct way, approaching them in the correct way.” 

Katherine Riggs, CEO of Thames Skills Academy said. “Whilst the emergency services are there if someone jumps into the river, it is people working along the Thames who are most likely to be able to help someone in distress”.

Two participants from London Bridge City in Suicide Intervention for a Safer Thames training

Suicide Intervention Training for a Safer Thames was developed by Thames Skills Academy at the request of the emergency services on the Thames - RNLI, Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Coastguard - as well as the Port of London Authority and Transport for London, with the support of the The Fishmongers’ Company.

The programme forms part of a wider effort to build a confident, trained network of organisations working together to help keep people safe along the river.

Security teams from London Bridge City at the Suicide Intervention for a Safer Thames training

Next course dates are Tuesday 24 February and Tuesday 24 March. Dates can be provided for closed courses.

For more information: Thames Skills Academy - Suicide Intervention for a Safer Thames training: Equipping you to intervene if you encounter a suicidal person

To register or for further info, please contact: training@thamesacademy.london