Health and Wellbeing Facilitator Lisa Simpson has said ‘We are delighted to have signed up to the Baton of Hope Bronze Level Workplace Pledge. This initiative is designed to give all employees of SCAS the tips and tools they need to promote a psychologically safe workplace by removing the stigma around mental health and most importantly, to save and improve lives by preventing suicide.’
According to their website, the Baton of Hope state this workplace pledge is much needed because currently there are:
- 700,000 deaths by suicide globally every year (Source: WHO)
- 14 million suicide attempts globally every year (Source: WHO)
- 6,000+ deaths by suicide in the UK every year
- Acute mental health conditions account for over 55% of all lost working days annually in the UK (excluding personnel who don’t admit actual cause due to continuing stigma)
- 17 million working days lost annually in the UK at a cost of £56 billion to businesses
By signing up to this pledge, SCAS are helping to:
- Remove and eradicate the stigma around mental health in the workplace
- Increase awareness of suicide
- Improve and do our best to save lives
- Make suicide awareness, support and prevention a workplace priority
If your company is interested in finding out more about The Workplace Pledge and signing up, visit their website here.