A browser plug-in that prompts an automatic pop-up when users search for information on self-harm or taking their own life launched in the UK on 10th September 2021 on World Suicide Prevention Day 2021.
The brainchild of Alice Hendy, who in 2020 lost her brother, Josh, to suicide when he was just 21, the new tool is called R;pple.
Free to download and available now, R;pple provides support and resources for people suffering poor mental health and feeling
hopeless.
The tool comprises a message of hope and signposts to a range of free support resources such as helplines, text services and
webchats that are available 24/7 from mental health charities.
Explaining the concept, which relates to her own experience, Alice said: “It’s called R;pple because, on average, 135 people are impacted every time somebody takes their own life. The ripple effect is extensive, as my family and Josh’s wider circle know only too
well.
“I want to help ensure individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and searching for self-harmful content online are offered hope
and options for support when they need it.”
The tool has already been taken up by high-profile organisations including Universities UK and Network Rail as a means of providing
staff and students with mental health signposting, should they need it.
R;pple is available to download now as an extension for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge with Firefox, Opera and Safari to follow
soon.
• The tool can be downloaded on Google Chrome here.
• The tool can be downloaded on Microsoft Edge here.
• A video demo on how to download R;pple is found here.
Alice also plans to roll out the technology as a parental control option and hopes it will be taken up
by UK education providers.