A Swindon man’s heroic act has not only earned him recognition but also an opportunity to undergo mental health training.
Adam Jones, the head of customer care at Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, was recently awarded by Kier Pritchard, Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, for his brave actions in saving a distressed teenager.
Last year, Adam spotted a 16-year-old girl in a distressed state walking along the busy A419, making her way toward junction 15 of the M4 after leaving the Great Western Hospital. Concerned motorists alerted authorities as she was seen on a bridge over the motorway. Adam, along with two other members of the public, acted swiftly to remove her from the wrong side of the safety barrier and provided support, keeping her safe until officers arrived.
A spokesperson for the police force commended the bravery and quick reactions of Adam and the other kind-hearted individuals involved, emphasising that it was their intervention that ensured the girl’s safe return to the hospital.
In recognition of his selfless act, Adam was presented with a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition at the prestigious Wiltshire Police Awards ceremony earlier this year. The certificate acknowledges individuals who demonstrate extraordinary courage, compassion, professionalism, and a sense of duty.
However, Adam’s journey did not end there. The experience of saving the distressed teenager has ignited his interest in mental health matters, prompting him to pursue further training as a mental health first aider.
Thanks to the support of Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, Adam recently completed a two-day Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England course, enabling him to provide initial assistance and support to those experiencing mental health challenges.
By becoming a mental health first aider, Adam aims to contribute to the well-being of individuals in his community, equipping himself with the necessary skills and knowledge to offer guidance and support to those who may be in need.
Talking about the incident Adam said: “The terrifying events of last year have had a profound effect on me and I wanted to use the experience in a positive way.
“It’s well known construction workers don’t feel comfortable discussing their health with others and this is why I was keen to go through training as it will enable me to have meaningful conversations and provide support to my colleagues who may have poor mental wellbeing.
“After my experience in helping the teenager last year, I recognised the importance of early intervention for mental health issues and I wanted to gain the skills that will help me help my construction colleagues. I plan to complete a refresher course in three years’ time and I also plan to do additional training outside of work.”
Ralph Hawkins, managing director for Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, added: “We’re aware the workplace has changed for many people over the last few years – the global pandemic has taken a toll on employees and we need mental health support in the workplace now more than ever. As a business, the wellbeing of our teams is a top priority so when we learned Adam wanted to go through mental health training, we were right behind him. We’re fully supportive of his aspirations to progress in this field for the benefit of his friends and colleagues.”
Adam’s story serves as a reminder of the impact that one person’s compassion and quick thinking can have on someone’s life.
His heroic act not only saved a young girl from potential harm but also inspired him to become an advocate for mental health. With his newfound training, Adam is determined to make a positive difference and ensure that others receive the help they need during challenging times.
