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A suicide prevention awareness initiative has been launched with sponsorship from the family of a local student who lost her life two years ago.
The initiative has been set up by the Institute of Directors and Jersey Recovery College, with the first sessions of the programme sponsored by the family of Kezia Mason.
The programme aims to recognise "the profound impact" of suicide on individuals and the wider community and reduce stigma through training and education.
The idea behind the programme came from IoD's chair of industry sub-committee Alex Ruddy, who organises Run for Kezia – an annual fundraising event which was set up by Ms Ruddy's daughter and her friends in memory of the 14-year-old, who died in March 2022.
Pictured: Eloise Morel, Saskia Ruddy and Ella du Feu – friends of Kezia – at the charity fun run event started in honour of the teenager.
The run fundraises for Kezia’s Fund, which provides grants for projects to support the mental health and well-being of children and young people in Jersey.
The first nine sessions of the IoD and JRC initiative are being sponsored by the Mason family.
Kezia's father Rob Mason said: "We are delighted to be able to support the suicide prevention training via this IoD and JRC initiative.
"We hope the training will not only equip people with the skills to recognise and support individuals in distress but also fosters a culture of empathy and openness.
"By actively reducing the stigma associated with discussing suicide, organisations create a ripple effect that extends into the wider community."
Pictured: Kezia's dad, mum and brother – Rob, Esther and Ben Mason. (Rob Currie)
The training has been designed by mental health charity JRC, which will deliver a two-hour course as part of its Mental Health at Work programme.
The session aims to help islanders:
JRC CEO Beth Moore said: “We already do a lot of work with local businesses around improving mental health, we also address the important issue of suicide awareness and prevention through our community programme.
"This partnership with the IoD is an important step forward in reaching more people with these important skills and tools.”
Several businesses, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, have backed the initiative.
Public Health director Peter Bradley said: “As we work towards finalising the government's Suicide Prevention Strategy we are pleased to acknowledge and support the IoD in their awareness programme.
“Suicide is a community issue and the workplace is an important environment in our lives. Equipping boards with targeted training, delivered by professionals through JRC is a forward-thinking initiative designed to enhance the wellbeing of our working population and wider community.”
Jersey Electricity is one of the businesses supporting the initiative, with the company's HR director Andrew Welsby saying the "vital programme will equip our staff with the necessary understanding to address this critical issue effectively".
You can donate to Kezia's Fund online HERE.
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