Blog. Help us to help the industry this World Suicide Prevention Day.

September 10, 2020 | Author: Jeremy Gibson

Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day we want to highlight the free resources we have on offer to help you, a friend or a colleague if you’re concerned that feelings or behaviours could lead to self-harm and suicide. We’d also like to share an industry-wide initiative which launches today called Walk for Calm.

Suicide is a complex issue that’s still very much taboo in our industry and wider society claiming nearly 6,000 people per year of which more than 75% are male.

One of the most difficult things can be starting a mental health conversation, which is why we produced our Suicide Awareness and Talking about Mental Health in the Workplace resource pages on our newly-developed Advice Hub.  

Sadly, when a life is lost to suicide the impact is devastating. Our hard-hitting film features a brave father Mearl Brown who talks openly about his son, Nyall’s tragic death as he urges others to seek help before they embark on the same path as Nyall. It’s a powerful resource to open up a conversation in your workplace.

Also, for World Suicide Prevention Day we’re making one of our exclusive EAP resources available to everybody. ‘When Someone You Care About is Depressed’ provides practical advice to help you speak to somebody close to you who needs support.

You’re not alone – we’re not alone.

While suicide is still a taboo, things are improving and Hospitality Action & Mum along with other organisations including CALM, Healthy Hospo, Umbrella Training and Caterer.com have joined forces to launch Walk for Calm to raise awareness and support our collective charitable work on suicide prevention.

On 24th October 2020, a series of socially distanced 20km Walk for Calm fundraising events will take place in locations across the United Kingdom including London, Birmingham and Manchester. Hospitality businesses and people from across our sector are being encouraged to unite and get involved.

Walk for Calm is the idea of Craig Prentice, Founder of mum, talent partner and now pause, a free to access wellbeing initiative that promotes mindfulness and relaxation, and was launched during lockdown.

Craig explained: “It’s time to not only highlight the importance of looking after our own mental health, but also promote wellbeing at every opportunity. Walk for Calm is an opportunity to come together to do just that whilst supporting Hospitality Action and CALM and the terrific work they do - please walk, support and donate if you can”.

You can find out more here.

And remember, our helpline is open 24/7 and will be able to offer advice no matter what you're going. It’s free to use, completely confidential and could be the start of a positive change: 0808 802 0282. 

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