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Content warning: This page contains mentions suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day is 10 September. It is a global movement focusing on raising awareness of suicide, reducing stigma, and encouraging strategies and actions to prevent suicide.
Our research has shown that, UK employees are still using inappropriate and outdated language to talk about suicide at work with two-thirds (66%) of employees are using harmful terms such as ‘committed suicide’. This phrase stems from a time when suicide was illegal. Its use can signal blame, contributing to stigma. Alongside this, only 10% of employees would know that the best way to save the life of someone thinking of suicide is to ask them directly whether they have a plan to end their life (1).
Everyone needs to come together to reduce suicide. We are calling on workplaces to embed suicide awareness, prevention, and support into their mental health and wellbeing strategies.
Suicide is preventable through education and intervention. Our research shows that over 75% of employees do not know if suicide prevention is currently part of their organisation’s wellbeing strategy. This must change.
We have created a new resource with advice and guidance on how to tackle suicide prevention and support in your workplace. MHFA England’s five pillars of suicide prevention can help you put plans in place to support those having thoughts of suicide and those impacted by suicide.
We are hosting an exclusive webinar for MHFAiders on how to have lifesaving conversations. If you are an MHFAider check your most recent MHFAider newsletter for details on how to secure your spot.
Our poster and video help raise awareness of how to support someone experiencing suicide thoughts or behaviour. You can download the poster and put it up in your workplace or share the video with your colleagues.
We have the expertise to help you put clear actionable plans in place to support those having thoughts of suicide and those impacted by suicide.
We can deliver training to your organisation and work with you to advise on how to embed suicide prevention into your mental health and wellbeing strategy.
Learn more about how MHFA England can support your workplace
Sources:
The research was undertaken by One Poll for MHFA England during 29 July – 5 August 2024 with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 working UK adults.