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Riders were trained to identify suicide warning signs, support at-risk individuals, and provided resources to encourage early help-seeking.
In commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), Deliveroo Singapore has partnered with suicide prevention non-profit Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) to conduct a first-responder training workshop.
Held on 22 and 29 August 2022, the Be a Samaritan (BAS) programme, conducted by SOS trainers for close to 30 riders, helped equip them with vital skills and knowledge to better support the vulnerable in the community. This covered important aspects of identifying suicide warning signs, ways to support at-risk individuals, and available help resources to encourage early help-seeking.
With suicide being a major public and mental health concern in communities worldwide, riders who attended the training received a certificate of completion and gained confidence in identifying and offering support to distressed individuals. A select group of Deliveroo employees will also undergo training in September.
In addition to the BAS programme, over 200 Deliveroo riders will display campaign stickers on their delivery bags throughout September in support of SOS’ World Suicide Prevention Month efforts. Pictured above, each sticker contains information about suicide prevention, including the SOS 24/7 helpline, and is designed to spark conversations around suicide and spread awareness about suicide prevention.
Tan Li San, Chief Executive Officer of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), who officially launched the BAS programme, commented: "Suicide is preventable, and everyone can play a role in saving lives and creating a mentally resilient community. 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.
"I commend SOS and Deliveroo for creating an opportunity for Deliveroo riders to spread awareness about suicide prevention so we can encourage conversation and reduce stigma."
Meanwhile, Gasper Tan, Chief Executive, Samaritans of Singapore, shared: "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. We hope more individuals and organisations will come forward to participate in our training programmes."
Adding his views, Jason Parke, General Manager, Deliveroo Singapore, said: "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.
"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. The positive response from our riders has inspired us, and 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."
Since 2019, the food delivery company has implemented first aid training to equip riders with vital skills and first aid knowledge to respond to on-the-ground emergencies. In October 2021, Deliveroo collaborated with Silver Ribbon Singapore to conduct rider stress management workshops to teach riders the importance of mental health and valuable tips on managing challenging situations.
Lead image / Provided
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