World Suicide Prevention Day

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day today (10^th September).

Why today is so significant…

Suicidal thoughts are unfortunately more common than people realise and it remains the biggest killer of men under 49 and women aged 20-34. It is a really tricky subject to navigate and discuss, so we at Soiltechnics would like to get involved with the theme this year of “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, encouraging people to talk and have conversations to allow the stigma around it to change.

Suicide awareness training

So today, or indeed any time that suits you, I hope you will join me in watching the following suicide awareness training. The course is approximately 20 minutes long and will hopefully give you some skills and confidence to have a conversation with anyone about their mental health struggles, that could potentially be lifesaving.

Other tools available

There are lots of other tools available, too, including tools on Welcome to The Suicide Prevention Hub, which also signposts to other services such as the Samaritans and Bereavement support.

Please also feel free to share this.

Written by Sarah Drage, Managing Director.

Mental Health Awareness Week is more than just an initiative to us – it’s a testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy work environment.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and stress, affect millions of people worldwide.

According to the World Health Organisation, depression is a leading cause of disability globally. Despite this, the perceived stigma and lack of awareness often prevent individuals from seeking help.

Mental Health Awareness Week is a national initiative that (assuming it is!) aims to break down these barriers, encouraging open conversations and providing resources for those who need it most.

Soiltechnics Approach

We promote mental wellness throughout the year with talks, sign-posting guidance, free access to Headspace, mental health awareness training, regular staff check-ins and more.

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week gave us the opportunity to focus on wellness. We had a different focus each day, featuring a range of mental health awareness week activities for work, designed to educate, support, and engage:

1. Mindfulness Monday – An introduction to mindfulness and headspace along with meditation advice and tips, and mindfulness colouring.
2. Tea and Talk Tuesday – A chance to step away from our desks and learn more about our colleagues across all sectors.
3. Wellness Wednesday – With a gratitude challenge, hydration challenge and some mental health tips.
4. Teamwork Thursday – An online escape room encouraging teamwork, communication, fun and inclusivity for all colleagues whether from the office or working from home.
5. Fit Friday 🏃‍♂️ – Deskercise and lunchtime walk

The Impact on Employees

Mental Health Awareness Week received really positive feedback from our people, at all employee levels and work environments.

Many have expressed appreciation for the company’s proactive approach to bringing awareness to mental health, wellness and support.

Looking Ahead

Soiltechnics‘ commitment to mental health does not end with Mental Health Awareness Week.

We will continue our support with 1-to-1 check-ins on well-being, year-round access to supportive services through Vitality, an open door policy to managers and Directors and our independent HR support.

We believe in a healthy work-life balance and always look for ways we can improve our provisions and support our staff.

To find out more about our well-being initiatives and how we support our staff, contact us at enquiries@soiltechnics.net.