A man who was saved from attempting to commit suicide by a passing stranger on Waterloo Bridge is launching a schools workshop with the person who saved him.
Jonny Benjamin was prevented from jumping into the Thames in January 2008 by personal trainer Neil Laybourn.
But it was not until six years later when he launched his worldwide #FindMike campaign that he managed to track Mr Laybourn down.
After reuniting, the pair have become friends and campaigners on mental health.
On Thursday, to mark the eight-year anniversary of the life-saving incident, the pair are launching a schools initiative called Think Well to confront taboos around mental health and encourage young people to talk about it.
Mr Benjamin, now 28, experienced problems from the age of 10 and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder when he was 20, prompting his suicide attempt.
He told The Times: “Mental health is one of the last taboos in our society. I know first-hand the prejudices and stereotypes that surround it. I’m determined to change this for younger people and get people talking about mental health.”
The workshops will include a 100-minute session for children aged 13 and over and contain footage of Mr Benjamin’s story. In another room, a therapist will talk with teenagers about their thoughts and feelings.
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