First Response Group Joins Security Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide

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10 September 2024

To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, security services provider First Response Group has joined the Security Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide. 

The Security Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide (SCPS) is a network of people from the security sector who want to collaborate to prevent suicide in the industry. It’s guided by a panel that includes representatives from the National Police Chiefs Council Suicide Prevention Group, City of London Police, The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals and the Samaritans.

The security profession as a whole has high levels of occupational stress and is the third highest industry in the UK impacted by suicide, according to research conducted by the Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide. Levels of verbal and physical abuse towards security professionals also remain high. In a survey of over 1,000 security professionals by workingthedoors.co.uk in 2021, 51 per cent say they are verbally abused every time they work.

Research led by Dr Risto Talas and Professor Mark Button, Professor of Criminology in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Portsmouth, shows that 40 per cent of security officers display some symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Professor Button said: “The research has revealed a worrying lack of support provided by the security companies. This must change and more research is required on what the security industry as a whole must do to address this issue before it becomes a larger societal issue, with added pressure on the limited mental health and wellbeing services provided by the NHS.”

CEO of First Response Group Simon Alderson said: “Many security professionals will struggle with mental health problems. It’s crucial that the industry grasps this and puts in place the measures to identify all the warning signs and prevent avoidable personal tragedy.”

“It is also important to recognise that security officers are often first responders when someone is in crisis, including those at risk of suicide. Ensuring security professionals have the right tools and training empowers them to respond effectively and ultimately contribute to safer, more effective outcomes in crisis situations.”

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Picture: a photograph of Simon Anderson. Image Credit: First Response Group 

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 10 September 2024

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