A BLACKWOOD man who talked a suicidal young woman out of jumping off the Chartist Bridge has revealed how a personal battle with mental health helped him talk her down.

Barrie Hemmings, 44, is one of five men to be praised by Gwent Police in the aftermath of the situation which occurred on July 31.

Mr Hemmings, who volunteers with mental health charity Gofal, climbed over the railings of the bridge on that day and used a strap from his laptop case to keep her secure, while the other men tried to restrain her.

He then lay down next to the woman and shared his own experience of depression and anxiety to help calm her.

He said: “The adrenaline just kicked in. I climbed over the barriers and started talking to her.

“I was holding her hand and I said: ‘if you’re listening to me, give my hand a small squeeze’.

“And I knew I was getting through to her because she was squeezing. I explained we all struggle but she can get better.”

Mr Hemmings said he had just finished a computer course at Gofal in Oakdale and was walking over the bridge to go to Blackwood town centre when he came across the incident.

Inspector Carl Williams, of Blackwood Police, wrote Mr Hemmings and the four other men, who have not been identified, a letter of thanks.

The inspector said: “Policing and safeguarding the public is not something that we at Gwent Police can do alone and we are always very grateful when people like yourself are willing and able to provide assistance.

“I therefore wanted to personally contact you to pass on my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to you; you could have walked on by, but your actions undoubtedly saved this lady and you should be immensely proud of this.”

Mr Hemmings first sought support from Gofal two years ago and is currently taking part in a course to help get him back into work.

He said: “Afterwards someone said to me, 'her family are not burying her now because you helped'. And that’s when it hit home.

“I’m 6ft tall and 20 stone and I suffer with depression and anxiety. It doesn’t matter how big or small you are. Mental health problems can affect anyone.”

Gofal Chief Executive Ewan Hilton said: “We’re extremely proud of Barrie who has shown exceptional courage in helping to save someone’s life.

“We’re delighted to have supported him on his journey towards recovery and I know he’s a valued member of our Gwent team of staff and volunteers.

“This story highlights the importance of talking openly about mental health. Barrie’s empathy and understanding clearly made a huge difference to this young woman and helped her to see that support is available and recovery is possible.

“By talking openly about mental health we can all play an important role in improving understanding, reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help.”