You Can Save a Life
The worst thing that could happen to our business would be the loss of an employee due to suicide. Not because of any operational loss, but a personal one. We at United Group Services are a community of people, and we look after our own. You are very important, and we care about your well-being. All of you.
This may be a difficult topic to discuss, but illness is illness and our focus is Total Employee Health. Please read on, because you may be the one who can help save a life, or possibly be the one who needs saving.
We all need a little help from time to time, whether that’s encouragement on the job, some time off with family, the resources to deal with personal or financial issues, or something bigger. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, the resources are available to you now. You are not alone.
A Message From Our Leadership Team
United Group Services – Suicide Prevention – YouTube
We are a community here at United Group Services. There is support available to you if you need to help someone at risk, need to process the loss of a friend, or need assistance yourself. Remember, mental health issues are health issues. The first thing to do is to talk to someone. If you are concerned about someone, reach out. Right now. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text TALK to 741741.
Second, we have a Suicide Prevention Program at United Group Services that is endorsed by the senior leadership team and the CEO. We are serious about protecting you and your health. We will do everything we can to prevent suicide. We want you to learn the signs of suicide, be comfortable talking about it, call for help, and never leave an at-risk person alone. If someone says they are thinking about suicide, you must assume that you are the only person they are talking to. Stay with them. Take them seriously. Call 1-800-273-TALK or text TALK to 741741 for free, 24/7.
As a part of our Suicide Prevention Program, we have a drug and alcohol amnesty policy. We will get you help and protect your job. You are our first priority.
Our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) is free and available to all employees. This counseling is not limited to Suicide Prevention, and it covers other issues such as grief, substance abuse, etc.
There is no shame in discussing mental health issues. We can be open about our experiences because we’ve all had difficult times in the past. It does help to talk. When discussing the topic with someone who is struggling, let them know you care. Let them know that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and that it’s OK to have feelings.
There is no right time to discuss struggling. That means that if you get the feeling someone wants to talk about it, talk about it. Let them know that they can talk to you or someone else and that it’s safe to do so. Stay with them. Follow up with them. Seek help from HR, another trusted advisor, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
It’s important for us to get ahead of any problems out there. We’re listening. We’re filling the gaps. The leaders and all of your team members at United Group Services are here for you. Call us if you want to talk.