Zurich launches suicide risk support for Corporate Risk customers
For further information, please contact:
Will Kirkman, Zurich UK Media Relations Manager
0781 226 5317
will.kirkman@uk.zurich.com
14 January 2024
- Zurich launches new toolkit, “Raise the Alarm”, to help clients whose customer-facing staff may be faced with a report of suicidal intent
- The toolkit contains evidence-based guidance utilising expert sources such as leading mental health charities
- Zurich is launching free webinars this month and in March to offer further information to customers on how to use the toolkit
Insurer Zurich UK is launching a series of webinars to introduce clients to its new free suicide risk toolkit, “Raise the Alarm”.
Raise the Alarm has been created for Zurich Corporate Risk customers to use independently if their staff are faced with suicidal thoughts or intent by a customer or colleague.
The downloadable toolkit contains information and advice in line with recognised professional bodies including mental health charities, medical specialists, and the NHS.
It includes a responder checklist that prompts users to ask the right questions to help brief emergency services, or follow-up with additional support services if needed, helping responders to calmly and empathetically manage a difficult situation.
The webinars, from Zurich Corporate Risk Medical Rehabilitation Consultants, will provide an introduction to the toolkit and will be available to all broker partners, customers, HR staff, and line managers.
Raise the Alarm was designed by Nicola Benson and Ruth Taylor, Medical Rehabilitation Consultants from Zurich Corporate Risk’s Rehabilitation Services team.
Nicola created the guide with Ruth after she received an email from a client with suicidal intent who she successfully managed to support at a crucial moment.
She said:
“I found that there was very little guidance out there around the right things to say, and the ways to say them. Suicide is an incredibly distressing topic and knowing the right approach can be difficult.
“Spotting the warning signs and acting fast is key, and we hope that having all these resources in one place will help people who find themselves in the same position navigate these conversations successfully.”
Ruth Taylor added:
“If we can prevent the suicide of one person then we’ve done a good job. The impact of suicide is far-reaching in respect of friends, family and work colleagues.”
The webinars will take place online on January 18th and March 21st 2024 at 10am.