Suicide Prevention Day thoughts
Today, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day, and one of Adullam’s Operational Managers, Giuliano Achilli-O’Brien, has sent a supportive and thought-provoking email to his colleagues.
We thought other teams might benefit from reading his thoughts.
He said: “I wanted to take a moment to say something that I feel is really important.
“We spend so much of our time supporting our clients, listening to their needs, helping them through challenges and doing everything we can to make a difference in their lives. But I also want us to remember that we need to look after each other too.
“Work can be busy, stressful and challenging at times, and sometimes we can all have things going on outside of work that people may know nothing about.
“Just because someone is smiling, getting on with their day or saying they’re fine doesn’t always mean that’s how they’re really feeling.
“Prince William is launching new initiative today “On Your Side”, which has been launched to encourage people to have those conversations and look out for one another.
“Although the initiative is focused on the sporting community, I really like the simple message behind it: you don’t need to be an expert to support someone.
“Sometimes, you just need to notice, ask and listen.
“It uses a really simple GOALS approach:
- G Get ready: Notice if someone doesn’t seem themselves.
- O Open the conversation: Take a moment to check in and ask how they’re doing.
- A Ask the question: If you’re worried about someone, don’t be afraid to ask.
- L Listen: Give them time and space to talk without judgement.
- S Support: You don’t have to have all the answers.
“Sometimes being there and helping someone find the right support is enough.
“I think this is something we can all do, not just today but every day.
“Please know that my door is always open. So are the doors of all our Team Leaders.
“If you’re struggling, if something is getting on top of you, or even if you simply need someone to sit and listen, please come and talk to us.
“You don’t need to have the right words, and you don’t need to wait until things become overwhelming.
“There is absolutely no judgement, and asking for support is never a weakness.
“We have a responsibility to look after our clients, but we also have a responsibility to look after each other.
“I’d really like us to continue building a team where people feel comfortable speaking up, where we notice when someone isn’t quite themselves, and where we don’t just ask: “Are you okay?” but genuinely take the time to listen to the answer.
There is support available if you need it, including:
- Our internal support: Medicash
- Samaritans: Free, confidential support 24/7 on 116 123
- Shout: Free, confidential 24/7 text support text SHOUT to 85258
- Hub of Hope: A directory of mental health support services across the UK
“And if you’re worried about someone else, please don’t feel that you have to deal with it alone either. Come and speak to me or one of the Team Leaders and we can work through it together.
“I genuinely believe that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference a conversation, a coffee, a message asking how someone really is, or simply letting someone know that they’re not on their own.
“So today, I just want to say please look after yourselves, and please look out for each other.
“You matter, and you are an important part of this team.
“My door is always open.”