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In March 2022 we launched the first stage of our workplace programme of activity across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The scheme encourages and supports employers and employees to raise awareness about suicide prevention, advises around procedures and creates opportunities for early intervention in the workplace.

This involves:

• Reducing stigma around mental health in the workplace and promote help seeking behaviour
• Increasing awareness of support available, specifically within high-risk industries
• Embedding suicide prevention within company culture
• Increasing the number of suicide prevention conversations at work
• Promoting the use of tools and resources to help maintain good emotional wellbeing

Poor mental health costs UK employers up to £45 billion each year (Deloitte, 2020), meaning that mental health problems cost £1,300 for every employee in the UK economy (Centre for Mental Health). For every £1 spent by employers on mental health interventions they get £5 back in reduced absence, presenteeism and staff turnover (Deloitte, 2020). Suicide is the leading cause of death in England in adults below the age of 50, and past research shows that some occupations are at particularly high risk.

We are also compiling a free digital resource pack for businesses around suicide prevention, along with a suicide prevention policy.  To be notified when these are available, register your interest.  Please include your business name in your request.

We are a business in Herefordshire & Worcestershire. How do we get involved?

Our programme of workplace activity involves three phases: suicide awareness sessions, guidance sessions on training for staff, and implementing the orange button community scheme. We have already delivered a cohort of suicide awareness sessions. You can now register your interest in our training guidance sessions by filling in this form.

You can find out more information about the programme by contacting the suicide prevention team at: suicidepreventionprogramme@worcestershire.gov.uk