The CDA in Altena wants prevention boards to be found at the Merwedebrug to prevent suicide. The telephone number of the national crisis line 113 must be on the signs. The party hopes that people in an emergency situation will be brought to different thoughts and seek help.
CDA councilor Jade Buchholtz emphasizes in her questions to the mayor and aldermen that several people have made a suicide attempt from the Merwedebrug in the past period. “This affects our community and requires action in the field of prevention,” said the councilor.
According to Buchholtz, it is known nationally that placing so-called 113 signs or placards can be a low-threshold and effective way to make people in an emergency “hesitate to hesitate one more time and to make immediate help”.
The CDA wants to collaborate with neighboring municipality of Gorinchem on the other side of the river. Rijkswaterstaat and the province must also be involved in the prevention measures.
Also on the other side of the water, suicide prevention is the subject of conversation. The Stadsbelang Gorinchem party has been arguing for cameras on both sides of the bridge for some time. By keeping an eye on the images live or using AI, action could be taken on time. Rail manager ProRail already works with smart cameras and 113 signs.
The parties anticipate the Integral Suicide Prevention Act. From 1 January 2026, municipalities are obliged to pay attention to suicide prevention within their health policy. Prevention measures are already being rolled out in Altena at the local level. B and W will soon let you know what they think of the idea of the CDA.
Until September 14, it is the world suicide prevention week with the theme ‘looking for words’.
Talking about thoughts to suicide helps. You can call Stichting 113 Suicide Prevention 24 hours a day (free and anonymously) via 0800 0113, or chat via 113.nl.