'We hope this campaign will help raise awareness of suicide prevention and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide'
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, riders of Deliveroo Singapore were provided with training on suicide prevention and how to identify signs of distress among the public.
The Be a Samaritan (BAS) programme was carried out on August 22 and 29 in partnership with non-profit organisation Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), which saw the participation of 30 riders from the delivery platform.
SOS trainers equipped the riders with knowledge on identifying suicide warning signs, ways to support at-risk individuals, as well as available help resources to encourage early help seeking.
"Our riders are at the heart of our business and are frequently seen throughout the community as they deliver Singaporeans' favourite food all over town. Equipping them with such essential skills can make a world of difference," said Deliveroo Singapore general manager Jason Parke in a statement.
In addition to training, more than 200 Deliveroo riders will also display Suicide Prevention Awareness stickers on their delivery bags in September to raise awareness across the country. Parke said the initiative received "positive response" from their riders.
"We are also heartened that our riders have volunteered to use our recognisable delivery bags to create awareness in support of such an important cause," said Parke. "[We] appreciate their continued willingness to participate in programmes to give back to the community. We hope this campaign will help raise awareness of suicide prevention and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide."
This September, Deliveroo said that a select group of employees will also participate in the BAS programme, which also aims reduce the stigma on the topic of suicide.
Read more: Suicides at work – what can HR do?
Gasper Tan, CEO of SOS, said they were pleased to partner with Deliveroo on the initiative.
"Our goal is to widen the social safety nets so that the public can look out for one another, and what better way to raise visibility than to engage Deliveroo riders who deliver food and grocery to every corner of Singapore," said Tan in a statement.
"By empowering the riders with the proper knowledge and skills, they will be able to recognise warning signs and encourage distressed individuals to seek help. Suicide is still taboo and stigmatised, and breaking down the barrier of stigma is vital to conversation and understanding."
The programme was opened by National Council of Social Service CEO Tan Li San, who lauded Deliveroo and SOS for their joint effort in spreading awareness on suicide prevention.
"Suicide is preventable, and everyone can play a role in saving lives and creating a mentally resilient community," said San. "The first step is learning more about the issue of suicide and equipping ourselves with the knowledge and skills to provide first-line support to family, friends or colleagues, while encouraging those who need professional help to seek it."
