Xmas is a wonderful time of year for most, a time for spending time with loved ones, and a time of reflection, and a time taking care of people.
However, it can also be a time of struggle for many, and for different reasons. With that in mind, SUCET would like to remind people of some important messages.
SUCET’s Xmas message is………….
Support yourself and others this Xmas
Use nature and get outside
Check in with someone today
Ensure you talk about how you feel
Take time to speak to a friend or loved one
SUCET is pleased to launch its partnership with R;pple, a charity set up to prevent people attempting suicide or self-harm via software downloaded to pc’s.
What is R;pple
R;pple is a simple piece of tech, for use on laptops and desktop PCs. It’s an interceptive tool, in the form of a browser extension, designed to present a visual prompt when a person searches for harmful keywords or phrases relating to the topic of self-harm or suicide in search engines. These phrases include any words or terminology which have been identified as displaying potentially damaging online content.
If a user searches for harmful content online, on Google for example, the search will be interrupted with a pop-up screen. They will first be guided through a set of breathing exercises and then the screen changes to show simple, uncluttered and calmly presented collection of helplines, and mental health support services they can access, both now and longer term; accompanied with a message of hope and encouragement to keep safe.
What issue is R;pple addressing?
Harmful online search results can add a level of vulnerability to individuals by reinforcing their feelings, legitimising their thoughts and providing users with the ways and means to act on their contemplations. Currently, when a user searches for a term relating to self-harm or suicide via a search engine, one option of mental health support is displayed: a helpline. And as we know, the listings give a lot of information to try to chose from – probably too many choices for someone in crisis to comprehend. And then there are the very harmful websites that can be found and accessed from a search result list.
R;pple aims to minimise the risks of the internet, while harnessing its potential for good.
Luke Haseldine, Senior B2B Executive at R;pple Suicide Prevention said “I’m delighted that SUCET have chosen to partner with us and help make the internet a safer place. We’ve all endured two difficult winters and now with the cost-of-living crisis, this winter is adding another unwelcomed pressure.
Please look after yourselves and those close to you during this Christmastime. Take note of SUCET’s suggestions if you or a loved one are feeling low and please download the R;pple tool and tell other people about it. Help is out there, and everyone deserves to feel a sense of hope.”
The link to the section about how to install the R;pple tool on to personal laptops and desktops (as individual items) is: