SOS Silence of suicide

Who we are

SOS Silence of Suicide is an award winning charity, whose innovative approach to providing alternative, sustainable, mental health provision drives our whole team. 

Founded by Michael and Yvette Mansfield in 2015, multiple lived experiences of loss to suicide and poor emotional health put us in a knowledgeable position to help others experiencing the same circumstances and emotions.

We support children, young people and adults with poor emotional health and suicide ideation through our talking and listening helpline, our unique mobile wellbeing hubs, online and in person meetings and online and face to face accredited training programmes.

Our main aim is to eradicate the shame, stigma and silence surrounding mental health and suicide through honest communication.

We are driven by a team wide passion to provide innovative emotional health support to our communities through our unique emotional wellbeing mobile hubs, our freephone helpline, online and in person talking and listening sessions and through our accredited training programmes.

SOS also created the national bereaved by suicide evening held at Warwick Castle annually on 1 May.

Our culture and values

1. Empathy:  We approach each person with genuine care and understanding, acknowledging the personal nature of mental health challenges and thoughts of suicide. Our aim is to create a compassionate, confidential and non-judgmental environment that promotes healing and encourages open dialogue. 

2. Community:  We believe in the power of a supportive and inclusive community. Our goal is to build a welcoming space where individuals facing mental health struggles can find solace, belonging, and support. By connecting people with similar experiences, we foster a sense of unity and care, thus potentially growing support networks for all concerned.

3. voluntary workers:  Our dedicated voluntary workers generously donate their time and expertise to make a difference. We value their passion, commitment, and unique skills in providing our hotline and chat services. We offer a nurturing environment, continuous training, and personal growth opportunities to support our voluntary workers.

4. Stigma-Free:  We are committed to challenging and eliminating the stigma and shame associated with mental health and suicide. Through our PIA Initiative, as well as open conversations, education, and awareness, we aim to break down barriers and dispel misconceptions. Our goal is to create an accepting and understanding atmosphere, empowering individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.

5. Confidentiality:  We prioritise the privacy and confidentiality of those we serve. All interactions, whether through our hotline, chat services, or community forums, are treated with utmost care. We maintain strict confidentiality guidelines to protect personal information and ensure a safe space for open discussions. 

6. Accessibility:  We believe that mental health support should be accessible to all. We strive to remove barriers by providing free and easily accessible services. Our aim is to ensure that everybody in the UK, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or location, can access our resources and support.

7. Continuous Improvement:  We are committed to continuous learning, growth, and improvement in mental health and suicide prevention. We stay updated on research, best practices, and evolving community needs. By adapting and refining our services, we provide effective support and make a meaningful impact.

8. Collaboration:  We recognize the importance of collaboration in addressing mental health and suicide prevention. We actively seek partnerships with like-minded organizations, professionals, and stakeholders to leverage collective knowledge and resources. Together, we can create lasting change in the field. 

9. Hope and Resilience:  We instil hope and resilience, emphasizing that recovery and well-being are attainable. Through our support, we empower individuals to build resilience, develop coping strategies, and find strength in their journey towards mental wellness. We promote a message of hope, reminding individuals that they are not alone and that a brighter future awaits.

10. Holistic Approach:  We understand that mental health is interconnected with various aspects of life, including physical well-being, relationships, and personal fulfilment. We advocate for a holistic approach, encouraging individuals to seek comprehensive support that addresses all areas. We collaborate with professionals from different disciplines to provide a multidimensional support system.

11. Safeguarding: Anyone who’s volunteered or worked for SOS knows the importance we place on safeguarding.  It is area that is fundamental to everything we do in order to protect everyone and especially those who utilise our services. Due to our growth, we are now offering Designated Safeguarding Lead training to key staff,  to protect our workplace employees and everyone else we come into contact with. Your safeguarding is our priority and we are constantly updating our policies 

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

We’re committed to being an equitable, diverse and inclusive organisation.

This means:

·     being fair, impartial and providing equal employment opportunities

·     recognising, respecting and celebrating our differences

·     creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.

This policy helps us put this commitment into practice. It sets out:

·     definitions for key terms used throughout the policy

·     the law on equity, diversity and inclusion

·     our commitment to prospective and current employees

·     your responsibilities as an employee

·     how we work with service users, suppliers and others

·     how we monitor and review this policy.

We’re also committed to ensuring our organisation is free of harassment and bullying and that everyone’s treated with dignity and respect.