A fundraiser aims to install emergency phones on North Devon bridges, offering immediate help and suicide prevention.
The money will install free phones. These phones will be on Torridge and Taw bridges. The group wants to add suicide prevention CCTV. Organizers believe it could save lives.
So far, the fundraiser has collected £90. Russel Rogers spoke about the problem. He cited a lack of mental health funding. Rogers mentioned an issue with the bridges.
They have Samaritans’ posters. The posters encourage free calls for help. But there are no phones to use. The group aims to fix that. They provide mobile phones in boxes.
These boxes are waterproof and easy to see. People in distress can make important calls. Calls can be to 999 or the Samaritans. They can also reach a trusted person. Awareness is key to their goal.
They want free permanent phones on both bridges. CCTV will serve as a last resort. Group members check the mobiles often. They ensure the phones have power. This guarantees a life-saving call can happen.
Bulletin Media seeks public donations. They need money for secure, solar-powered boxes. They also want more helpline signs. These would list local organizations. Ultimately, more phones are needed on bridges. Councillor Dermot McGeough supports this. They are talking with Devon County Council.