Suicide is a major concern both in the UK and around the world. According to statistics, there are 17 deaths every day in the UK from suicide, and this is a figure that Baton of Hope, a suicide prevention initiative, aims to change. This week, the charity presented its workplace charter for suicide prevention and support to Parliament, outlining six principles employers should introduce to support their employees and prevent suicide.
The Workplace Charter for Suicide Prevention and Support
“The Baton of Hope” workplace charter for suicide prevention and support outlines six principles that employers should introduce to support their employees’ mental health and prevent suicide:
1. Creating an open culture where staff feel comfortable discussing their mental health.
2. Training managers and employees to recognize signs of suicidal behavior.
3. Ensuring that employees have access to relevant support, such as counseling, and providing training for individuals who can provide support.
4. Introducing measures to reduce workplace stress and increase employees’ resilience.
5. Raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention through ongoing communication, briefings, and events.
6. Supporting employees who have experienced a serious mental health issue or bereavement by providing them with reasonable adjustments, extra leave, or other supports.
The Importance of Employers in Suicide Prevention and Support
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were an estimated 914,000 cases of work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in the UK in 2021/22. This statistic highlights the profound impact that employers can have in helping to change society for the better. By implementing the Baton of Hope workplace charter, employers can create a supportive and safe environment for their employees to thrive both in their personal and professional lives.
Mike McCarthy, the founder of Baton of Hope, emphasizes the importance of employers in suicide prevention and mental health support. He states, “Employers have the power to change society. They can create a culture where people feel safe, where people come to work and know they are valued, and where people can speak out about their mental health without fear of reprisal.”
Pledge of Support from MPs and Organizations
In addition to presenting the Workplace Charter in Parliament this week, Baton of Hope has received support from over 120 MPs and various organizations, including NatWest, Starbucks, and Westfield Health. The charity and its charter have also received the support of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England.
MP Russell is advocating for a bill to make Mental Health First Aid compulsory in workplaces
MP Paula Sherriff has been a key parliamentary advocate for Baton of Hope and its workplace charter. In 2021, she introduced a bill to parliament to make mental health first aid a compulsory part of every UK workplace’s first-aid training. This bill has received significant support, with many individuals recognizing the importance of providing mental health support in the workplace.
Employer Duty of Care and Mental Health First Aid
Employers have a duty of care to support their employees’ mental health and well-being. This support can take many forms, including creating a positive work environment that prioritizes employee mental health, providing access to mental health services, and training employees to recognize signs of mental health struggles and suicidal behavior.
The introduction of Bill MP Russell to make mental health first aid a compulsory part of workplace first-aid training is a significant step forward in prioritizing mental health support in the workplace. Mental health first aid training can provide employees with the skills and knowledge they need to recognize the signs of mental health struggles and provide appropriate support to their colleagues.
“The Baton of Hope” workplace charter for suicide prevention and support is an important tool that employers can use to create a supportive environment for their employees. By implementing the six principles outlined in the charter, employers can help prevent suicide and support their employees’ mental health and wellbeing. The support of MPs, organizations, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, along with the introduction of MP Russell’s bill, are all encouraging steps forward in prioritizing mental health support in the workplace. It is now up to employers to take action and prioritize suicide prevention and support in their workplaces.