Washington Mind has officially launched the Stand Up To Suicide Charter Mark, a new initiative designed to help workplaces play an active role in suicide prevention and create compassionate, supportive environments for their employees.
The Charter Mark represents a commitment from organisations across our communities to be part of the wider suicide prevention agenda, with Washington Mind providing support, guidance and practical resources every step of the way.
To mark the launch today, Wednesday 9th September 2026, we welcomed employers, employees, charter signatories and organisations interested in learning more to an event at our base, The Life House. The event, held in the same week as World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, explored why suicide prevention is a workplace issue, how organisations can talk openly and confidently about suicide, and how together we can challenge stigma, encourage people to seek help and provide a compassionate response to those affected by suicide.
The Stand Up To Suicide Charter has been developed to support the BSI Standard Publication: Suicide and the Workplace (BS 30480:2025). The charter also helps organisations take the practical first steps identified within the guidance, making it easier to begin meaningful action within the workplace.
At Washington Mind, we created the charter with the aim of supporting our communities and helping workplaces build confidence around suicide prevention. As part of this commitment, organisations that sign the charter will receive a range of support at no cost, including:
- Information and guidance on suicide prevention
- A suicide prevention policy template
- Suicide prevention signposting resources
- Support to identify and meet training needs
- Access to postvention support following a suicide
- Access to the Stand Up To Suicide official logo to show their commitment to suicide prevention
During the launch event, speakers highlighted that the Stand Up To Suicide Charter is not simply another campaign. It is a call to action. It is an opportunity for workplaces to recognise their role in suicide prevention and take practical steps to support the wellbeing of their employees.
We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended the launch, to those organisations who signed the charter, and to those who are taking the information back to their workplaces to continue the conversation. Your commitment and willingness to engage with this important issue is helping to create safer, more supportive workplaces across our communities.
The following organisations signed the charter today:
- Beacon Centre
- Change Grow Live
- Citizen’s Advice Sunderland
- Education Partnership North East
- First Contact Clinical
- NERAF
- Rams Safety
- RISE North East
- Stagecoach
- Sunderland Counselling Services
- Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service
- WWIN Specialist Domestic Abuse Service
- Washington Mind
By working together, talking openly and supporting one another, we can help create workplaces where people feel able to seek support when they need it.
Together, we can make a difference.
Click here to find out more about the Stand Up To Suicide Charter Mark and signing up.
