Rocco Hawkins – Bridges Of Hope in Borrowash

Derby man Rocco Hawkins set up ‘Bridges of Hope’ during the height of the pandemic in which notes are put on prominent bridges to help people that are suffering from mental health issues, and who may be contemplating suicide.

Although Mr. Hawkins has had support for his scheme in the city from Derby City Centre, controversy has been raging in Erewash after notes were quickly and repeatedly removed, allegedly by Neighbourhood Wardens shorty after they were put up – particularly on the Victoria Avenue road traffic bridge connecting Borrowash with Ockbrook.

On Sunday 1st August 2021, Rocco joined Ian Perry on the phone for a chat about how Bridges of Hope was created from his own difficult and personally traumatic experiences, how the Victoria Avenue bridge ‘hope’ signs came into being. how many visits he has made to neighbouring bridges and a partnership with Highways England plus how the work in Derby has progressed compared to issues in Erewash.

Erewash Sound Listen Again