Preventing Suicide

Employers can be more aware of their role in preventing suicide among their staff, and signposting support for those who may have suicidal thoughts.

Certain occupations, or kinds of work, have a higher risk of suicide. These include primary teachers, doctors, vets and nursing staff, agricultural workers, and low-skilled male labourers.

•  How can we make sure the workplace itself is not causing distress, or else not aggravating it?

• How does the workplace support someone who is distressed or suicidal (whether or not they have a mental health problem)?

Abdul Razaq, director of Public Health Suffolk, added “I am pleased that workplace wellbeing encourages people to talk about suicide and crisis management and bereavement. Our strategy Suffolk Lives Matter recognises the impact on work colleagues as well as families and the wider community. So if one person sees this webpage or reads a resource or has a conversation they might have avoided or never even considered, we have made an excellent start in saving lives and in avoiding preventable deaths.”

Suffolk Chamber’s chief executive, John Dugmore explained “as a society, the UK is getting better at talking openly about death, and it is slowly getting better at talking about mental health. But there are signs it still struggles to talk about suicide, self-harm and risk-taking.  Businesses, which play such an important role as employers but also as community leaders are well-placed to help provide support and signposting services.”

Workplace resources: