On Monday 4th May Channel 4 aired a programme called The Stranger on the Bridge, an inspirational true story of Jonny Benjamin’s global search to find the strange who talked him out of jumping off Waterloo Bridge.

At the time of this event Jonny, aged 21, was experiencing psychosis, including many delusions and hallucinations. Jonny had been admitted to a psychiatric unit and he had run away to end his life on Waterloo Bridge. A young man, called Neil Laybourn, with great courage talked to Jonny and prevented him from jumping. This programme was tracing Neil Laybourn, so Jonny could thank him for his courageousness and kindness.

After his event in 2008, Jonny turned his life around and he is now a great mental health campaigner, raising awareness for sucide and mental health. Jonny still experiences psychosis, but his positive outlook and openess to seek help means he is able to life a fulfilling life. Jonny is a video blogger and posts thought provoking and insightful youtube videos of his journey with psychosis and bipolar. If you would like view Jonny’s YouTube videos, click here for the link. 

Jonny has been an inspiration to many people suffering with mental health problems by encouraging help seeking with no shame or embarassment in this. He highlights the importance of not suffering alone in a world with so many people willing to help. Jonny has a very active twitter account, click here to view and follow him.