MORE than 470 people have signed an online petition calling for action to prevent people jumping off the Itchen Bridge in Southampton.

Campaigners say suicide prevention measures should be taken on the bridge, which is reported to have seen more than 200 deaths since it opened in 1977.

Three years ago 2,500 people signed a petition calling for barriers to be installed to prevent people from taking their own lives.

As reported in the Daily Echo, another petition has been launched in a bid to persuade the city council to take action.

Petition organiser Graham Flooks said: "Southampton City Council happily takes tolls from vehicles crossing the bridge but is doing nothing to prevent the suicides that are happening all too frequently.

"The council has a duty of care to all and this petition is to 'encourage' them to install safety measures to stop these terrible events."

A total of 468 people have signed the petition, which will be presented to council bosses and Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith.

Cllr Christopher Hammond, leader of Southampton City Council, said: "Every death by suicide is an individual tragedy, impacting on friends, family, work colleagues and the local community.

"Southampton City Council is committed to reducing deaths by suicide across the city.

"We work closely with Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Samaritans, Solent Mind, Hampshire Constabulary, No Limits and others in the Southampton Suicide Prevention Partnership to monitor and address potential locations with an increased number of suicides and are continually looking at what additional evidence-based action we can take to help reduce suicides in Southampton.

"Our Southampton Suicide Prevention Plan 2020-2023 aims to reduce the number of suicides in Southampton, and ensure provision of support to those bereaved by suicide, focusing on but not limited to groups at high risk of taking their own life.

"Since 2015, we have sought feedback from this Partnership of local organisations working on mental health and suicide prevention.

"This is critical as practice and research shows that suicide is preventable, that it is everyone’s business, and that collaborative working is key to successful suicide prevention.

"We also have an established mental health anti-stigma partnership and Time to Change Hub, which are important in tackling mental health stigma and encouraging residents to talk about and support each other with their mental health and wellbeing.

"Suicide prevention work is also being undertaken at a wider Hampshire footprint through NHS Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP), with priority areas including: self-harm, dual mental health and substance misuse need, bereavement support, workplace health, work in primary care, and debt and financial anxiety."

The council has also issued the following advice and contact information:

If you are feeling great emotional distress or anxiety, feeling that you cannot cope with day-to-day life or work, thinking about self-harm or suicide, or experience or hear voices (hallucinations), you should get expert assessment and advice straightaway.

In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999 - a mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical health emergency.

If you are facing a mental health crisis, use the NHS 111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call 111. The 24/7 Mental Health Triage Team has a wide range of skills, including over-the-phone psychological support and access to key organisations that can offer mental health support to people in their time of need.

The Lighthouse safe haven in Southampton is now operating a virtual service in partnership between Southern Health and Solent Mind. If you are over 18 and in mental health crisis or emotional distress you can text LIGHTHOUSE and your postcode to 07451 276 010 between 4.30pm and midnight (over 18s only). Staff will contact you by telephone, email, webchat or text.

If you have been given a Crisis Line number from a health professional, please call it.

If you are under the care of a mental health team, you should continue to contact your care team as usual. In life-threatening emergencies, where there is a danger to yours or someone else’s life, always call 999 or visit your nearest Emergency Department.

NHS CCG: mental health services in Southampton.

Samaritans has a free to call service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, if you want to talk to someone in confidence. Call them on 116 123.

The NHS has a list of mental health helplines, for specific advice.