In the lead up to ‘R U OK?’ day Foxtel’s Lifestyle YOU channel is set to broadcast a compelling documentary that focuses on suicide prevention.
‘The Stranger on the Bridge’ tells the moving story of Jonny Benjamin. Having been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder shortly beforehand, he stood on London’s Waterloo Bridge in January 2008 and prepared to take his own life.
That was until a stranger walking across the bridge saw him and talked Jonny down from the edge. Jonny was taken to hospital and didn’t see the stranger again but was determined to find him and thank him for what he did.
Jonny launched the #FindMike campaign with the support of Rethink Mental Illness, which became a social media sensation, eventually reaching over 300 million people worldwide.
In using this hashtag Jonny’s story helped to stimulate positive change and engage viewers in these issues of mental illness in an accessible and sensitive way.
The film captures every step of Jonny’s remarkable journey including the phenomenon of the campaign, the many leads and ‘Mikes’ that came forward and ultimately his successful reunion with the man that saved his life.
Everything changed for Jonny that day, but also, as a result, he has become a mental health campaigner who in his own right has helped transform the lives of many other people around the world through his work.
The film will be on Lifestyle’s YOU channel at 9:30pm on September 5th.
R U OK? Day is on September 8th, it’s a national day of action to remind all Australians of the importance of regularly checking in with our mates, colleagues and family and asking “are you ok?”
Do you need some support?
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counseling are available from:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyondblue: and www.beyondblue.org.au
QLife: and www.qlife.org.au QLife are a counselling and referral service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people.
Kids Helpline is available for younger readers. Call 1800 55 1800, it’s free.
