Recruitment
“Opening Statement: In September 2016 Nathan Lewis played a pivotal role in preventing a man from committing suicide who was found in a very distressed state by Nathan and was dangling his legs over the wall of the 6th Floor of the Train Station, Multi Story Car Park. Whilst never having to deal with such a distressing situation, Nathan displaying a calm, sympathetic & professional approach which in the comments of BTP ultimately saved this man’s life. Nathan received commendations from both the BTP and the Samaritans for his actions on the day and the way in which he acted during this difficult and life threatening situation. Nathan escalated the situation to the emergency services at the right time and without panicking the distressed individual.
Overview: The Multi-Storey Car Park is split across six levels, with a wall and barrier along the external edge. In September 2016 Nathan Lewis, a CP+ Customer Service Assistant, received information from a member of the public that there was something happening on the roof level.
Nathan proceeded to the roof level, anticipating some local children playing there, instead he came across a gentleman sitting on the edge of the roof level, in clear distress and in desperate need of urgent assistance.
Nathan approached him and began to talk to him. In a calm and careful manner, after gaining the gentleman's confidence Nathan was able to persuade the gentleman to come over the wall and talk. After some time, Nathan led the gentleman down through the car park to the car park office.
He was cared for in the office by Nathan and others from the team until the Police arrived. Although still distressed, the man was able to tell the Police Officers that, had it not been for the intervention of Nathan, he would have jumped.
As this is not a common situation a CSA would come across during their normal duties, CP Plus management team offered Nathan support to help deal with what he had just witnessed and been directly involved in. But Nathan without any formal negotiation or Samaritan suicide training, did not want anything and was more focused on the well-being of the man he had helped, showing unreserved compassion to a man in need.
A letter sent from the British Transport Police demonstrates the weight of responsibility on Nathan’s shoulders and how his actions saved a person’s life. He was further recognized by the Samaritans and the company. He was also a finalist in the British Car Parking awards for his professional manner in which he conducted himself (without any formal 'dealing with potential suicide or mental health issues training') in a very difficult and challenging situation.
Nathan has now attended a Samaritans Suicide Training Course and is an asset to the company and his local car park team.“
“CP+ operate the station car parks on behalf of HS1 Limited. When we heard about Nathan's actions we were impressed by his thoughtless actions on behalf of a clearly distressed passenger on the verge of suicide. He has demonstrated clear qualities of compassion, understanding and empathy that I think we would all like to think we would demonstrate were we in his shoes; but in reality I don't think many would do when such an instantaneous reaction was needed. HS1 is very proud to have such a compassionate, and modest, individual working on our behalf. Nathan has since liaised with the Samaritans to see whether his experience can be used as a learning exercise for others, which will hopefully mean that others can follow his exemplary lead.“
“I attended the awards last weekend and very good they were too!”
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