Watford's MP has backed a new workplace charter, pledging greater support for people who feel suicidal.

Dean Russell sponsors the 'Baton of Hope' initiative, which was launched at a special event in the House of Commons at 1pm yesterday (Wednesday, May 24).

Employers are being urged to sign up to the charter, which claims that 115 people die from suicide every week in the UK.

The Baton of Hope is a new charity that was co-founded by bereaved parents, and believes that "too few employers have frameworks that nurture a climate of openness" that allows employees to talk about their feelings.

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Mr Russell described the workplace as playing "a crucial part in our mental health" and said "if suicide were a virus, we’d be on the hunt for a vaccine, and if loneliness were a disease, we would be trying to find a cure".

The Conservative politician has worked with the Watford & West Herts Chamber of Commerce to train 1,000 volunteers in Mental Health First Aid Awareness.

Watford Observer: A launch event was held at the House of Commons yesterday (May 24).A launch event was held at the House of Commons yesterday (May 24). (Image: Courtesy of Dean Russell MP)

Mental health ambulances and safe and supportive spaces have also been provided, thanks to a £150 million national investment by the government.

Professor Rory O’Connor, president of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, added: "Employers have a crucial role to play in suicide prevention. 

                                                                                            

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"I commend this charter encouraging employers to approach this crisis with all the attention it deserves.”

The Baton of Hope charity claims that most managers and employees have never received education or training to deal with a situation where someone discloses suicidal feelings, or are faced with the suicide of a loved one or colleague.

Watford Observer: Organisation's can sign up to the charter from Autumn this year.Organisation's can sign up to the charter from Autumn this year. (Image: Courtesy of Dean Russell MP)

Co-founder of Baton Of Hope, former tv journalist Mike McCarthy, said: “We believe the charter should be embedded as part of an employer’s wider approach to promoting good mental health.

"By creating a non-stigmatising culture and a safe space to talk, employers can play a vitally important role in suicide prevention and signposting people to the right professional support.”

Organisations can sign up to the Workplace Charter from Autumn this year.