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Role Details

Title

Bridge Watch Volunteer

Organisation

Bridge Watch

Distance from the search postcode

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What you will be doing

The ‘Bridge Watch’ Programme aims to provide a physical presence of teams of volunteers who will patrol the areas on and around the bridges of London and who have a brief to engage or intervene with anybody indicating intent to enter the water for, primarily, but not limited to, the purpose of suicide. Bridge Watch is delivered by trained volunteers who patrol key river locations, offering a calm, non-judgemental presence and taking time to build trust with people who may be experiencing mental health crisis. Their role is centred on empathy, connection and early support — being there for people at moments when they may feel most alone.
Working closely alongside partner organisations and emergency services, Bridge Watch volunteers play a vital role at moments when time, compassion and human connection can make a critical difference.

Activities

Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Caring,Community Work,Counselling,First Aid

Skills & Attributes

Counselling, Managing People, Negotiating, Teaching, mentoring & coaching

Skills Description

Empathy, compassion, a non-judgemental attitude, being a good listener Once you have expressed an interest in the role there will be initial phone call to learn more about the role and to invite you to a trial session (patrol). If you feel the role is a right fit for you, you can proceed with your application and send us the requested documents including the DBS check. Once checks are complete you will be invited to a 3 hour training session in person in the London bridge area.

What is in it for you

Opportunity to save lives Life saving skills training including where appropriate: Naloxone Training Zero-Suicide Alliance Online Training Suicide Prevention Training Suicide Intervention Training Royal National Lifeboat-water safety training Mental Health Awareness Mental Health support (offered to volunteers through The Listening Place) Confidence building Development of active listening skills Networking through events References

Time Commitment

Minimum of one patrol per month. One patrol is 2 hours

Driving Licence & Vehicle Required

Travel Expenses

Available in multiple locations

Further location details may be provided below.

Directions

All public transport and travel methods that have access to the City of London Bridges including: Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Hammersmith Bridge (all accessible by buses, Underground, Overground, cycling, walking)

Number of volunteers required

300

How to find out more

https://bridgewatch.uk/volunteer/

Application Process

Application Form

ID Check

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

References

Informal Discussion (may include an interview)

Support you will receive

Wheelchair Access

Disability and Access Support

This role involves patrolling the bridges of the City of London to engage with people in distress who may be attempting to jump over the bridge and enter into the water. The role is open to all adults over 18 years old who can access the locations of the bridges with the access already provided by the City of London.