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West Sussex MIND share the importance of being suicide aware in the workplace

10 August 2022 10:22 AM | Anonymous

West Sussex MIND share the importance of being suicide aware in the workplace

For many people the workplace can be either a source of support or a source of stress. Work can support our mental health, helping to meet our basic needs for inclusion, stimulation, creativity, social interaction, financial security and learning. But for some people their experience is the opposite and this leads to stress and illness, absenteeism, poor performance and departure from the workforce or, sadly, even suicide and this is particularly so for men in middle age. Managers have a key role to play and can be proactive about creating a healthy environment where people thrive and if things do go wrong, can learn about how to spot the warning signs and take steps to connect their staff to help.

If you think someone is in imminent danger of taking their own life, you should dial 999 for an ambulance and not leave them alone, and we would recommend that everyone invest an hour in the free Living Works START on-line training. Click here to go to eventbrite.

 If the danger is not immediate, then their GP can help, Samaritans (116 123) are another ‘go-to’ is the Hub of Hope app Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of hope which lists a wide range of support.

The signs of suicide are often subtle, but if you notice any of the following, do ask about suicide:

  • ·         talking about wanting to end their life
  • ·         talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • ·         feelings of isolation, loneliness, worthlessness
  • ·         withdrawal from colleagues, decrease in work performance
  • ·         changes in behaviour
  • ·         putting their affairs in order
  • ·         abuse of alcohol or other substances
  • ·         depressed mood or mentioning previous suicidal behaviour
  • ·         being bullied or experiencing harassment or isolation.

People need to feel safe to talk about how they are feeling and as manager you can ensure this by creating a culture of trust and openness and taking wellbeing seriously. Ensure you promote an inclusive workplace, carry out stress risk assessments on roles, have Wellbeing Action Plans in place, role-model healthy behaviours and include mental health in regular 1-1s.  All this sends out the message that you take wellbeing seriously. You also need to think about how staff that work from home get those messages and are supported. Mind have published a special WAP guide for people working from home and links to free resources.

At West Sussex Mind we have been supporting the communities of West Sussex for over 50 years, so do contact us if you need help in any aspect of mental health: training@westsussexmind.org

https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work-website/

https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-your-staff/employer-resources/wellness-action-plan-download/

Responding to suicide risk in the workplace: guidance for line managers (cipd.co.uk)

Responding to suicide risk in the workplace | CIPD


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