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Facility services provider, ABM is lending its security expertise and experience to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
As a founding member of the Security Consortium for Suicide Prevention (SCSP), ABM will be joining key players in the industry at a conference on 8 September ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10th of the month.
Launched earlier this year with ABM’s support, the SCSP is a network of security organisations in the public and private sector working as a consortium to prevent suicide. Guided by professionals on the topic including the Samaritans and academic experts in suicidology, SCSP exists to channel resources and knowledge from the corporate world towards resolving the social issue of suicide; creating a shared responsibility for the prevention of suicide.
The conference will present an environment designed for idea sharing and discussion, and will see representatives from ABM’s security business sharing the vital work being done within the company’s security division as well as the wider business.
Chris Middleton, Security and Client Services Director at ABM said: “We are proud to be a part of the formation of SCSP and to have signed the consortium covenant, expressing our commitment to helping prevent suicide in collaboration with our industry peers.
“As the world emerges from the pandemic but continues to face challenging times, this has never been more important. Our team members work amongst the public every day and we understand the positive role that they can play in identifying those who are struggling with poor mental health and dealing with critical situations. Furthermore, ensuring our own team members are supported through difficult times is of the utmost importance.”
Vicki Vidler, Founder of the Security Consortium for Suicide Prevention commented: “The very definition of security is the state of being free from danger or threat. As a community of people dedicated to protecting others we have an opportunity to use our expertise to tackle the issue of suicide, and we are proud to have ABM on board to help us on that journey.
“Following our initial launch, the upcoming conference will mark World Suicide Prevention Day and be a wonderful opportunity to spread our message, share ideas and also learn from the professionals in the room.”
ABM has already introduced a mental health first aid training programme across its aviation and business and industry divisions. The investment was one of the first of its kind in the industry and was created in partnership with TalkOut, a market-leading change and development platform.
The training programme equips team members, such as security officers, train station cleaning teams and those working in airports and shopping centres, with the right skills when faced with difficult situations while working. The investment has seen 75 team members across the ABM UK business trained in mental health first aid.
While some personnel are finally returning to the office – the great majority of organisations (up to 83 per cent) anticipate a hybrid mix of on-premises and working from home to continue for the foreseeable future.
This means that when it comes to providing access to the workplace, where once it was simply enough to maintain a welcoming reception for visitors, organisations today must also keep a close eye on access permissions in real-time to keep buildings safe and secure while ensuring they comply with compliance.
Pitney Bowes Smart Access Management in association with FMJ has produced a new White Paper which explains how to create a welcoming, actively managed environment for authorised people.
It explains how new Smart Access Management™ (SAM) delivers a complete, real-time and data-driven view of all your people, visitors and contractors, to help give you greater control and visibility.
To download the white paper click here.
