It is important that you’re OK
How One Team Gov are creating a safe space to have the hard discussions at #OTGSP #WSPD2020
Each year, 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day, designed to raise awareness of the human tragedy of suicide and also raise awareness of (practical) steps we can all take to help save lives.
One Team Gov are running an event #OTGSP #WSPD2020 taking place on 10 September 2020 2–5pm. You can sign up using the link below:
If I attend, how will you look after me?
We recognise that this is a hard subject to talk about and deal with, and we recognise that we need to create a safe space for people to listen and share. We’ve put the following in place to help create this:
- We will have a range of resources available for attendees, these will include signposting to relevant charity support services, and have build a comprehensive list of all of the Employee Assistance Services within each of the main Government Departments.
- We have enlisted a number of Mental Health First Aiders who will be on hand throughout the event to provide immediate support and a listening ear for anyone who may need time out to talk.
- We’ve put together an updated Code of Conduct (below) for the event.
If you need to speak to someone immediately, The Samaritans can be accessed 24/7 on by calling 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org
Our Code of Conduct
We recognise that we are not the experts in this field, and we’ve drawn closely from the Samaritans’ resources for press and media reporting, which are available below:
Our hope for the event is that we all leave richer than we started. We will all be there to participate in great conversations in a positive way so that we can start to make a real difference.
We know that talking about suicide can be triggering. We’d appreciate if you observe the following code of conduct:
- Think about the impact of what you are saying. It can be helpful to include trigger warnings before you speak, allowing those who may be vulnerable to make a choice on the suitability of your content for them.
- Make sure to signpost to help. If you’re writing about the event or telling others about your experiences please make sure you signpost using the resources we will offer you. You might save someone’s life.
- Please do not mention any methods used of places where someone may have taken their life.
- Avoid over-simplification: the reasons that people take their lives are varied, complex and rarely straightforward. Be sensitive.
- Don’t use diminishing language. Saying things like “You’re not going to do something silly are you?” to a person who is contemplating suicide diminishes their experience, again, be sensitive.
And in terms of meeting etiquette, try not to talk over others, make sure that everyone has the chance to contribute, and if they don’t want to, that’s fine too.
- Learn and Connect: Make use of One Team Gov to learn, share and make connections.
- Difference and Inclusion: Everyone has the same right to be here as you do. Treat everyone as you would like to be treated.
- Listen to everyone: Respect everyone’s right to be heard. Share the conversation so that everyone has an opportunity to speak.
- Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Harassment includes offensive comments, unwelcome photography or recording, sustained disruption and inappropriate physical contact. People who harass fellow participants will be asked to leave immediately.
- Positive Spirit, Generous Nature: We’re here to learn from each other. Have a critical debate in a positive and generous way.
Our Code of Conduct can also be found on the One Team Gov website: https://www.oneteamgov.uk/about/code-of-conduct
