Chamber Conversations: Tristan Easter from Suicide Prevention UK

At Business West, we’re proud to support a diverse network of businesses and organisations - from ambitious start-ups to established firms and charities - all working to make our region stronger and more connected. As part of Mental Health Awareness in May, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our Chamber Members whose work makes a vital difference in the mental health space. We’re proud to feature Suicide Prevention UK as our Chamber Member of the Month, recognising their tireless efforts to support individuals in crisis and the incredible impact they have on individuals, communities, and mental health support across the region.

Tragically, 72% of people who complete suicide have not been in contact with any mental health services in the year before death (Suicide Prevention UK), and with an estimated 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem each year (Mind), the work of organisations like Suicide Prevention UK has never been more crucial - both in the community and the workplace.

We recently caught up with Tristan Easter, a trustee at Suicide Prevention UK, to hear more about their mission and how becoming a Chamber member is helping them connect with the business community.

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Suicide Prevention UK. What does a typical day look like?

My name is Tristan Easter, and I am a trustee of the charity Suicide Prevention UK. As a trustee, my main role is to ensure the financial and governance side of the charity is being managed in line with the Charity Commission guidelines. Perhaps unusually for charity trustees, I spend a lot of time working on fundraising opportunities and building connections with businesses and emergency services. I also continue as I started and volunteer evenings and weekends, taking calls on our helpline service.

Can you tell us more about what your company does, where it is based, and the impact it has on the local business landscape and beyond?

We are based in Bristol, and our charity provides a service to anyone who is struggling with suicidal ideation or the impact of suicide. We operate a national helpline from 6pm – 12am every day of the year for people in crisis and a dedicated bereavement line for those suffering loss. We also have teams that go out into Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas and patrol high-risk, known suicide locations to provide lifesaving support to anyone who needs us. We also work with the Bath BID initiative on Friday and Saturday nights to help provide welfare support.