Help is available, says Doncaster health trust after four bridge jump call-outs in three days

A Doncaster health trust is reminding people there is help available for those who need it, after the emergency services were called out four times in three days to reports of people threatening to jump off the town's bridges.
Emergency services were called out to St George's Bridge on Tuesday following reports that a man was threatening to jump.Emergency services were called out to St George's Bridge on Tuesday following reports that a man was threatening to jump.
Emergency services were called out to St George's Bridge on Tuesday following reports that a man was threatening to jump.

A spokesman for Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) said: “It is important for Doncaster people to know there is always someone to talk to and to seek help when it’s needed.

“In an emergency situation, where you, or someone you know has concerns about their mental health, you should ring our Single Point of Contact on (01302) 566999.

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“One of our trained call handlers will signpost you to the most appropriate service depending on your level of need. This may include your out of hours GP, a voluntary organisation or our Access/Crisis Team.

This comes after the emergency services attended an incident in St Mary's bridge at around 10.30am this morning, following reports that an alleged shoplifter had told police he would jump if they did not 'back off'.

Prior to this police had attempted to arrest the man over claims he had shoplifted from a town centre premises.

The man was talked down from the bridge by the emergency services after around an hour.

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Emergency services were also called out to St George’s Bridge at around 5.30pm yesterday, over concerns for the welfare of a man who was reportedly telling passers-by that he was intending to jump. Members of the public are believed to have come to the man’s aid.

Also, emergency services closed the road leading to Bambury Bridge in Denaby Road in the early hours of yesterday morning due to fears for the safety of a man standing on the bridge at 3.45am.

It was later re-opened after he was talked down by police just before 7am. Following the incident police described the man as being ‘safe and well’.

And at around 11am on Tuesday police were called out to St George’s Bridge, following reports of what officers called ‘concern for a man’.

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The road between St George’s roundabout and York Road roundabout was closed for almost three hours while police dealt with the incident.

The RDaSH spokesman continued: “We have staff from our Crisis Team working in the Accident and Emergency department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) who support DRI staff and offer advice and support when people, both adults and children are admitted to A+E.

“We also offer clinical assessment and offer a range of different support, depending upon the needs of the patient. This can include one-to-one support and counselling, group support and access to our Talking Therapies service via the website - http://www.talkingsense.org/

“For non-urgent advice and support adults, children and young people can visit our Talking Shop on Hallgate, Doncaster, which is open every day except the Bank Holidays. They can also visit their GP or ring The Samaritans.

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“If anyone has actually harmed themselves they should attend Accident and Emergency immediately."

Anyone affected by the issues in this story can also speak to The Samaritans anonymously by calling 116 123 (this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill),