Suicide support

Employers can take practical steps to create a safe and supportive workplace after a suicide:

• Understand that employees may be bereaved (close to the person), exposed (colleagues, witnesses), or impacted (community members)
• Offer flexible working arrangements for grieving employees
• Provide early, practical support such as clear signposting to professional services. Samaritans provide 24/7 emotional support for those who are in distress. You can receive emotional support in Welsh by calling the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (Open every day 7pm-11pm).
• The National Advisory and Liaison Service (NALS) provides a free and confidential support service and is available to individuals and families of all ages who live in Wales and can be provided via phone, in person, or by video call.
• Recognise that people may need support at different times, not just in the immediate aftermath
• Encourage open conversations about mental health in a non-judgmental, compassionate way
• Promote good mental health and reduce workplace stress
• Offer repeated check-ins to ensure employees feel supported over time
• Take part in mental health awareness campaigns

To enhance awareness and training, employers can encourage staff to participate in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), which helps individuals support those at risk.

Other resources, such as Welsh Government’s guidance on responding to people, bereaved, exposed or affected by suicide, Help is at Hand Cymru and Mental Health UK provide advice and resources to support employees and managers on handling these sensitive situations.

Page last reviewed: 1st April 2025