A ‘postvention response’ describes all the steps taken following a suspected suicide that support people who may be impacted. It includes any processes, actions and activities undertaken in the days, weeks, months and years following.
After a staff member’s suspected suicide, it’s important to find the right balance. Keeping the workplace functioning and ensuring the wellbeing of your team is vital. Maintaining normal routines and processes, while providing the time and space to give and receive support, can be reassuring for staff.
“A death by suicide has an impact that is often far-reaching. It can ripple beyond those who were immediately connected with the person who died. Following the death, a critical part of suicide prevention is to provide warm and empathic support within the workplace.”
- Mark, peer support worker