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Jonny Benjamin, the campaigner who is opening minds to mental health

He knows what it is like to suffer from mental problems in silence, and is now out to help school pupils in the same situation

January 14, 2016 12:58
Jonny Benjamin
3 min read

Eight years ago, Jonny Benjamin scaled the railings of Waterloo Bridge, ready to take his own life by jumping into the River Thames.

The then 20-year old, a former JFS pupil, had recently been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder - a form of schizophrenia - and, overwhelmed by the stigma of his condition, felt that life had become unbearable.

But a fortuitous encounter with a passing stranger, who recognised what Mr Benjamin was about to do and started talking to him, changed his mind. He climbed back over the railings and has since devoted his time to raising awareness for mental health and breaking the taboo.

Two years ago, he launched the international Find Mike campaign to find and thank the stranger he credits for saving his life, who later turned out to be personal trainer Neil Laybourn. He then made the Channel 4 documentary The Stranger on the Bridge, in partnership with the mental health charity Rethink, about his experiences.