Tamar Crossings
The Tamar Bridge is a suspension bridge in the south-west of England, connecting the City of Plymouth to the east and the Cornish town of Saltash to the west. The Bridge is in public ownership and under the governance of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee. Alongside the Tamar Bridge, the Joint Committee is also responsible for the Torpoint Ferry which is one of the busiest estuarial crossings in Europe linking the City of Plymouth with Torpoint and the Rame Peninsular.

Our work in suicide prevention
The Bridge is monitored (365 days, 24 hours) by a dedicated Bridge Control Room with excellent lines of sight and sophisticated CCTV (including smart analytics). In addition to passive safety measures (anti-climb parapets, lighting and signing (including for Samaritans)), staff across all levels have been trained in engaging with vulnerable people.
Reaching out to provide a non-judgmental and positive intervention has proven successful in providing a mental health first aid response until such time as the emergency services are in attendance. Staff involved participate in post incident debriefs and are monitored for their own well-being and if appropriate, signposted for additional support.

Our current priorities
Early intervention of any concern for welfare that presents at either crossing and to notify the emergency services.
To ensure the appropriate training and support is delivered to front line staff, including contractors, working on the bridge and ferry. Continue to foster positive working relationships with attending emergency services and other important stakeholders including Public Health, Samaritans and NHS Authorities.

Our current challenges
Similar to other structures and transport hubs, we have seen an increase in vulnerable persons presenting, in particular young persons and a significant number of drug/alcohol users.
