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Stand Up To Suicide Charter Mark

Together we are stronger and
together we can Stand Up To Suicide.

What is the Stand Up to Suicide Charter Mark?

For more than 45 years, suicide prevention has been at the heart of everything Washington Mind does, and for the past thirteen years we have been at the centre of the suicide prevention agenda.

The release of BS 30480:2025, Suicide and the Workplace Standard reinforces the importance of our work. We believe the Standard is both timely and necessary, providing organisations with guidance on prevention, intervention and support for people affected by suicide. Alongside it sits a voluntary guidance document (BS 3048), offering an evidence-based framework that organisations of all sizes can adopt.

Our aim is to help communities take their first steps towards becoming suicide aware and suicide safer workplaces. The Stand Up To Suicide Charter Mark has been developed around this guidance to support that journey.

We understand that some organisations want to make a difference but feel suicide prevention is beyond their capacity. We are here to help you meet the guidance and take meaningful action. Organisational suicide prevention, intervention and support initiatives can have a significant impact.

Signing up to the Charter is no longer just about raising awareness. It is a call to action. As we have supported our communities over the years, we will support you too, by providing signposting resources, A LIFE Worth Living Suicide Prevention and Intervention Training, and other practical resources.

Together we are stronger, and together we can Stand Up To Suicide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we sign up to the Stand Up to Suicide charter and why is suicide prevention a workplace issue?

Many of us spend most of our waking hours in the workplace, making it an important part of our community. Colleagues are often the first to notice when someone is struggling, and with 1 in 5 people experiencing thoughts of suicide, it is likely that every workplace includes someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, supporting someone who is, or living with the impact of suicide bereavement. Almost every workplace is affected by suicide at some point.

Suicide impacts many lives in many ways. Research shows that a single suicide can affect up to 135 people, while supporting someone experiencing suicidal thoughts can be emotionally challenging and exhausting. Signing up to the Stand Up To Suicide Charter equips your workplace with information, resources, knowledge and understanding to better support those affected by suicide, helping to ensure that no one feels completely alone.

By joining the Charter, you are demonstrating a commitment to suicide prevention, creating a more suicide aware and suicide safer workplace, and becoming part of a solution that can make a real difference to the lives of your colleagues, customers and wider community.

 

Isn’t suicide prevention something only mental health professionals support with?

No, not at all. You do not need to be a mental health professional to have a conversation about suicidal thoughts. Most people who experience suicidal thoughts are more likely to confide in someone they know than a professional.

Why should a workforce be trained in suicide prevention?

Colleagues, managers and peers often notice changes first. Training gives everyday people the skills to listen, respond appropriately, and signpost to support. It doesn’t replace professional help; it simply ensures people aren’t left unsupported in the meantime.

Organisations that invest in mental health and suicide prevention training often see:

  • Stronger team relationships
  • Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism
  • Improved morale and retention
  • A reputation for genuinely caring about staff wellbeing

It’s not just a wellbeing initiative; it’s part of building a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Will talking about suicide in the workplace make things worse for the staff?

Silence can be harmful. Whereas informed, compassionate and supportive conversation can save lives. Training can support you and your staff to have these conversations. If you are still concerned, know that evidence and research support this approach and that supportive conversations can encourage people to seek help earlier.

What does A LIFE Worth Living (ALWL ©) suicide prevention and intervention training cover?

ALWL © covers:

  • Understanding risk factors and warning signs
  • How to approach someone who may be struggling
  • How to listen without judgement
  • The LIFE model for suicide prevention and intervention
  • How to respond safely and appropriately using the LIFE model
  • How to signpost to internal and external support
  • How to look after your own wellbeing when supporting others

The focus is always on awareness, communication and compassion.

What message does suicide prevention training send to employees?

It tells your workforce:

“Your wellbeing matters here. You matter here.”

It shows a commitment to compassion, understanding, and early support; values that strengthen both individuals and the organisation no matter how large or small your business / organisation is. It shows you care.

What commitment is required to become a member of the Stand Up to Suicide Charter Community?

To become a member of the Stand Up to Suicide Charter Community, you will need to commit to the following five steps, with our support, of course.

  1. We will acknowledge that suicide is an issue and commit to taking action. We will sign up to the Stand Up to Suicide charter.
  2. We will build awareness and understanding
  3. We will make support easy to find
  4. We will create a culture where people feel safe to talk and can offer help
  5. We will embed suicide prevention into everyday practice and plan for support and recovery after a suicide.
What will we receive as part of the Stand Up to Suicide Charter Community?

As a member of the Stand Up to Suicide Charter Community, you will receive the following resources:

A signed display copy of the Stand Up to Suicide Charter

Use of the Stand Up to Suicide Charter logo to promote your commitment to suicide prevention.

Our Rays Corner suicide prevention and intervention resources, for use on your premises.  This also includes a QR where your team can access a range of wellbeing and mental health support services.

Talking Helps ‘credit card,’ a credit card style service signposting resource.

We can also support you with

A suicide prevention policy template that is inclusive and compassionate reflecting your commitment to supporting people with dignity and respect.

If affected by a suicide or attempted suicide, we will support you to respond with sensitivity, care, and appropriate support for those impacted.

How can we use the Stand Up to Suicide Charter Mark to inform people of our commitment?

The Stand Up to Suicide Charter Mark is to be used consistently, respectfully and in a way that reflects the Charters core message:

“A shared commitment to creating workplaces that are safe, supported and connected”

The Stand Up to Suicide Charter Mark is visible symbol of your pledge to suicide prevention. And its use must reflect the values within the charter.

Is there a cost to signing the Stand Up to Suicide Charter?

No, there is no cost to sign up for the charter.  There may be additional costs depending on your training needs or postvention support measures.

Can anyone sign up?

Our primary focus at this current time would be the Sunderland and South Tyneside localities.  However, if you would like to talk to us about another region, please do get in touch.

Get in touch now

If your organisation, no matter the size, would like more information about signing up to the Stand Up to Suicide charter, please contact: info@washingtonmind.org.uk.