Adam Dear

Said the following about Bernadette Lee:

“On two occasions this year Bernadette has, with the assistance of her colleagues, taken the time to speak with people who have expressed an intent to take their own life and by doing so helped to ensure that they get further support.

On the first occasion she and a colleague spotted a man on a fast line platform acting in a way that gave rise to suspicion that he might be vulnerable. They spent nearly an hour speaking with him, discovering that he had spent significant amounts of his life in prison and was struggling to come to terms with life on the outside, leading him to the decision that he would take his own life. During the conversation they were able to persuade him to leave the platform edge and get him to a place of safety on the station before BTP arrived and took him to another place of safety where he would be able to get the help and guidance that he needed.

On the second occasion she and another colleague identified a man who was visibly upset at a gateline and engaging him in conversation learned that he was an ex serviceman, suffering with mental health issues and alcoholism, and that he had come to the station to take his own life. During the conversation the man agreed to the suggestion that an ambulance be called and he was safely removed from the station to receive medical support.

Bernadette, like all her colleagues who act as Rail Enforcement Officers, proactively seeks out people who may be vulnerable and these two incidents highlight her commitment to their wellbeing.“