Back from the Brink

How a moment of kindness by a complete stranger saved a suicidal man's life

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Episode notes

This episode contains discussions about mental health and suicide.

On a bitterly cold night in January, sitting on a bridge in London, Jonny Benjamin was prepared to take his life. After years of mental health struggles, and stay on a mental health ward, he had given up.

Thanks to the intervention of random stranger - Neil Laybourn - he was convinced to carry on.

This chance encounter proved to be a pivotal moment that set Johnny on a long and difficult journey of recovery and self-discovery.

Jonny discusses his struggles with mental health issues from a young age, his eventual diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, and his experiences in the mental health system, which he found to be often bleak and lacking in empathy. It was Neil's kindness and determination to help that day on the bridge that gave Johnny the glimmer of hope he needed to continue fighting.

The two men reconnected years later. Jonny and Neil chat to the Mirror's Cecilia Adamou about the emotional reunion, and their close relationship since that dark day.

This episode explores the power of human connection and compassion, and the profound impact a single act of kindness can have, even in the darkest of times. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of mental health support and understanding.

Back from the Brink is a Reach Studio production, created and presented by Cecilia Adamou, and produced by Daniel J. McLaughlin, with thanks to Dan Jackson.

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