Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide, and 1 in 4 of us has experienced suicidal thoughts. It’s time to start more conversations.
Every year on 10 September, organisations and communities around the world come together for World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s message from Samaritans carries a clear and vital theme:
“If you think someone might be struggling, take action, interrupt their thoughts, and show them you care. You don’t have to be an expert to save a life.”
In every workplace and community, people face challenges that can sometimes feel overwhelming. We may notice subtle changes in a colleague, someone who seems unusually quiet, withdrawn or under pressure. Yet even when we notice that something might not be right, we can hesitate to say something. Starting what feels like a difficult conversation can be intimidating, and we may worry about saying the wrong thing or how someone might respond.
The empathy, active listening and care that our volunteer trusted adult mentors show young people every day are values that extend across our whole organisation. Creating a culture where people feel able to speak openly, ask for support and look out for one another starts with all of us.
Sometimes, simply asking ‘Are you okay?’ and being willing to listen and respond can be the start of something incredibly important.
If you are worried about someone, you don’t need to have all the answers. Just as we encourage anyone considering becoming a volunteer mentor, you can make a massive difference by simply showing that you care, listening without judgement and supporting someone to find the support they need.
The Power of Small Interruptions
Samaritans’ research with people who have experienced suicidal thoughts found that the majority had experienced their thoughts being interrupted by another person. Often, it was a small moment of human connection that made a difference.
Many people hold back from asking someone how they are because they fear saying the wrong thing, prying, or not knowing how to ‘fix’ the problem. But as Samaritans remind us, you don’t need to fix anything.
You just need to show that you care:
- Notice: Pay attention when a teammate seems out of sorts or isn’t acting like themselves.
- Interrupt: Reach out with a simple gesture – a cup of tea, a walk, or a quiet chat. A small moment of human connection can remind someone that they are seen and that they don’t have to face things alone.
- Ask again: When you ask “How are you?”, the automatic response is often “I’m fine.” A gentle follow-up such as “How are things really?” or “Do you want to talk about it?” can show someone that you genuinely have time to listen.
- Listen without judgement: Give them space to talk without immediately offering advice or trying to solve the problem. Sometimes, simply hearing “That sounds really tough. I’m here for you” can make a difference.
Evolving Our Culture: Celebrating Our Silver Accreditation
Creating a workplace where everyone feels safe to speak up isn’t just a goal; it’s part of how we want to operate. MCR Pathways was recently awarded Silver Investors in People accreditation, recognising our ongoing commitment to evolving our workplace culture and supporting our people.
Achieving Silver reflects our commitment to creating an environment where every team member feels valued, heard and supported, enabling everyone to make a meaningful contribution to delivering our strategic vision. We know that supporting young people effectively as they navigate barriers and challenges also means investing in and supporting the people who make that work possible.
Our trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) are an important part of this culture.
They are approachable and available to offer a listening ear, provide support and help signpost colleagues towards additional support whenever it is needed.
“I became a Mental Health First Aider because having lived with anxiety and depression myself, I know first-hand how isolating these struggles can be – and how much stigma can stop us from asking for help.” says Amanda Smillie.
“Starting a conversation can be as simple as saying, ‘I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit quiet lately, and I just wanted to check in. How are you really doing?’ If you are feeling overwhelmed or just need someone who understands to listen, please reach out to any of us – you never have to go through it alone. Alternatively, if you would prefer to drop any of us a message, even just saying something like, ‘I’m not having a great week and need to talk,’ we are always here for you.”
“I became a Mental Health First Aider because for so long I’ve both heard and said “I’m fine” I for sure wasn’t always fine and I know some others were the same, it’s an easy thing to say. What can be so difficult to say is “I’m not fine, I’m not ok” If I can make this a little bit easier for someone to say then that is making a difference.” says, Jill Robb.
Jill continues: “I don’t want anyone to feel they have to be strong and coping all of the time, life can be so tricky and I would hate someone to always feel they have to hide how they are feeling. I want to be someone who notices , someone who goes back and asks them again if they are ok even when they say I’m fine, someone who can listen, not judge and help someone get more specialist support if they need it.
“The course gave me a deeper understanding and the tools to better support people and if becoming a Mental Health First Aider means even one person can tell me they aren’t fine, then I know doing this course was always going to be the right decision.”
You don’t need special training to make a difference in a colleague’s day.
By normalising everyday check-ins and overcoming some of the things that can prevent starting a conversation, we can continue to support how our culture evolves where people feel able to speak up, seek support and know that they don’t have to navigate difficult times alone.
“I became a mental health first aider as I felt I had the empathy, understanding and have good interpersonal skills to support someone in emotional distress and at a time of crisis in their life.” Says Barabara Dempsey.
“Through my own personal mental health journey I have learnt to recognise signs and symptoms of me not being able to cope due to causes and effects of life challenges that are often outwith my control.”
Barbara continues: “I learnt coping mechanisms through the help and support of my family, friends, medical professionals and some of the great charities we have in our communities, towns and cities. (SAMH, Breathing Space and MIND).
“As Mental First Health First Aiders we’re here to get conversation started, to listen and provide support when it is needed most. You are not alone in life’s journey, please call someone and say whatever comes to mind.”
If you ever need a confidential chat or would like advice on supporting a colleague, reach out to one of our internal Mental Health First Aiders: https://i.mcrpathways.org/mhfirstaid/
External & Crisis Support
If you or someone you know needs support or someone to talk to outside of work:
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, confidential support 24/7, or email jo@samaritans.org
- Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential crisis text support 24/7.
- NHS 111 / NHS 24 (Scotland): Call 111 for urgent mental health advice.
- 999: If someone is in immediate danger or has seriously harmed themselves, call 999 or go to A&E.