Who is Alice Hendy MBE, and why is suicide prevention your life’s mission?

I’m 33 years old, live in a small village on the south coast of England with my two schnauzers (Reggie and Ronnie). I grew up in a very tight knit family of my Mum, Dad, and younger brother Josh. We continue to be extremely close.

I work full time in cyber security and have done for over a decade now. Technology has always interested me, and I regularly frustrate my friends and family by talking about the latest gadgets!

In my personal life, I love my football; I’m a fanatical West Ham United fan (but don’t hold that against me!)

I was plodding on through life back in 2020, but my world was turned upside down on Wednesday 25th November 2020 when I was told by two Police Officers that my little brother, Josh, had taken his own life.

I still can’t really put into words the devastation that Josh’s suicide had on our little family. My parents and I struggle on a daily basis to come to terms with life without Josh. Since that point, I have become desperate to stop this tragedy from happening to other people, and I’ve made suicide prevention my life mission, in memory and honour of my brother, Josh. You can watch my story here.

Tell us about the R;pple tool and its unique contribution to the fight against suicide.

Nothing like R;pple exists, and I couldn’t quite believe that when I came up with the idea.

At its core, R;pple operates as a browser extension that detects harmful searches related to self-harm or suicide. Upon identifying such content, the tool immediately intervenes by displaying a range of supportive resources, including helplines, online chat services, and self-help materials. This immediate interruption of harmful online behaviour is crucial, as it provides individuals with instant access to potentially life-saving assistance.

By leveraging real-time intervention, R;pple addresses the critical window during which individuals may be most vulnerable.

Unlike traditional modes of intervention, which may require individuals to actively seek help, R;pple passively intervenes only when necessary. This unobtrusive yet vigilant presence ensures that the tool reaches a broad audience without infringing on personal privacy.

As society continues to grapple with the complexities of mental health, tools such as R;pple offer a beacon of hope, illuminating pathways to support and recovery.

Where does the hospitality industry say in terms of mental health and suicide risk?

In support of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September, we did an extensive deep-dive into the hospitality industry, commissioning a study into the mental health and suicide risks.

The results are alarming. Тhree in five (59%) of hospitality workers are experiencing mental health conditions whilst at work, and one in two have thought of suicide, self-harm or other harmful, negative thoughts.

Over half of respondents who are or have experienced mental health conditions whilst working in the sector, have also searched for harmful content online whilst in their workplace, with almost a fifth (19%) having done so multiple times.

Sadly, suicide is the leading cause of death for people in the UK under 35 and the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 (ONS).

In the workplace, where many spend a significant portion of their lives, having a proactive approach to suicide prevention is crucial. Employers must prioritise the mental well-being of their staff by fostering a supportive work environment that promotes open communication and destigmatises mental health issues.

Policy interventions at the governmental level, such as mandating mental health training for management and ensuring adequate working conditions, can also play a pivotal role in addressing the mental health crisis within the industry.

What is the role of employers in protecting their staff from suicide?

Employers must create a supportive organisational culture that prioritises mental health, promote inclusivity, reduce stigma associated with mental health issues, and encourage employees to seek help without fear of retribution or discrimination.

Employers now have a duty to equip their workforce with the necessary resources and training to identify and respond to signs of mental distress. This includes training managers and supervisors to recognise the early warning signs of suicidal behaviour and to intervene appropriately and with care and consideration.

Open communication is a critical facet of suicide prevention within the workplace.

Regular check-ins, anonymous surveys, and suggestion boxes can serve as valuable tools for gauging employee well-being and identifying potential issues before they escalate. Furthermore, an open-door policy, wherein employees feel comfortable approaching management with their concerns, can facilitate timely and effective intervention.

At R;pple, we call on employers in the hospitality industry to sign our pledge and dedicate time and resources to implementing the 5 commitments for supportive and suicide-safe workplaces. With actionable takeaways and useful resources, the Hospitality Pledge is a great place to start, today.

This will ensure your staff, colleagues, customers, and clients are redirected from harmful online content relating to self-harm and suicide and instead signposted to immediate mental health support services to access both now and in the longer term.

I would also use the chance to invite HR and Wellbeing leads to our “Voices of Change” event on 30th September in London for an open dialogue that seeks to break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide in hospitality, discuss recent report findings, and explore strategies for creating a safe and supportive environment for both staff and clients. More details can be found here.