A SUICIDE prevention awareness initiative has been launched by the Institute of Directors and Jersey Recovery College, with the first sessions of the programme sponsored by the family of Kezia Mason.
The initiative aims to recognise the “profound impact” of suicide on individuals and the wider community and reduce stigma through training and education.
The idea behind the programme came from the IoD’s industry sub-committee chair, Alex Ruddy, who organises Run for Kezia, an annual fundraising event which was set up by Ms Ruddy’s daughter and her friends in memory of the 14-year-old, who took her own life in March 2022.
The run fundraises for Kezia’s Fund, which provides grants for projects to support the mental health and well-being of children and young people in Jersey.
The first nine sessions of the IoD and JRC initiative are being sponsored by the Mason family.
Kezia’s father, Rob Mason, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the suicide prevention training via this IoD and JRC initiative.
“We hope the training will not only equip people with the skills to recognise and support individuals in distress, but also fosters a culture of empathy and openness.
“By actively reducing the stigma associated with discussing suicide, organisations create a ripple effect that extends into the wider community.”
The training has been designed by mental-health charity Jersey Recovery College, which will deliver a two-hour course as part of its Mental Health at Work programme.
The session aims to help Islanders:
-
Identify myths about suicide.
-
Discuss fears around talking about suicide.
-
Recognise signs of emotional distress.
-
Develop ways of talking about suicide.
-
Consider whether they could support someone experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Jersey Recovery College’s chief executive, Beth Moore, said: “We already do a lot of work with local businesses around improving mental health. We also address the important issue of suicide awareness and prevention through our community programme.
“This partnership with the IoD is an important step forward in reaching more people with these important skills and tools.”
Several businesses, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, have backed the initiative.
Public Health director Peter Bradley said: “As we work towards finalising the government’s Suicide Prevention Strategy, we are pleased to acknowledge and support the IoD in their awareness programme.
“Suicide is a community issue and the workplace is an important environment in our lives.
“Equipping boards with targeted training, delivered by professionals through Jersey Recovery College is a forward-thinking initiative designed to enhance the wellbeing of our working population and wider community.”
Jersey Electricity is one of the businesses supporting the initiative, with the company’s HR director, Andrew Welsby, saying the “vital programme will equip our staff with the necessary understanding to address this critical issue effectively”.
For more information about the IoD and JRC’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Initiative or to inquire about how you can get involved, contact: officer.jersey@iod.net
