Celebrating Our Supporters: Havas People

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK¹ but, too often, those in crisis do not reach the support they desperately need. Many individuals turn to the internet, where harmful content is just a search away.

The R;pple tool exists to change this by intercepting harmful online searches and signposting to immediate, life-saving support. But we cannot do it alone.

We rely on our supporters, partners and donors. Every contribution helps ensure we continue to provide the R;pple tool free to all educators, individuals and families. Your donations also help us to expand R;pple’s capabilities², operate across 14 languages in 50 countries and territories. Ultimately, this means we can intercept more harmful searches and save more lives.

Today we celebrate the incredible support that Havas People have provided to R;pple.

Why Havas People chose to support R;pple

Havas People is a brand and communications agency for the world of work and study. Their focus is on helping clients create better experiences for their employees and students.

When Havas People chose to donate to R;pple, their decision was rooted in more than corporate responsibility. It was personal.  

In 2023, a friend of Havas People Creative Director Jonathan Lee died by suicide. After their death, friends and family discovered that they had been searching for harmful content online for almost a year. That realisation sparked a commitment to act.

“I wished I had known the signs to look for,” explains Jonathan Lee. “And I wish his colleagues, friends and family had too.”  

In response to this tragedy, Jonathan launched The Life Jacket³, a suicide prevention initiative designed to equip employees with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support someone in crisis. During the planning of The Life Jacket, Jonathan found R;pple. That discovery led to a conversation, and then to a collaboration.

“One of the things I love about Havas People is that if there is something that matters to someone, then it matters to the agency,” adds Jonathan. “Suicide prevention is a cause close to me, so the agency has rallied around that. But you see it with many other causes too.”

It was not only R;pple’s mission that resonated. It was also the story behind it. “Alice. I’m inspired by her resilience and drive to turn the loss of her brother Josh into something that will save lives.”

“To commit to something every day that comes from such a tragic and personal loss is incredibly tough. It takes a lot out of you. Whenever I see R;pple announce a new partnership, feature or piece of research, I am minded to remember what it has taken to realise it.”

Jonathan Lee

Creative Director, Havas People

“To commit to something every day that comes from such a tragic and personal loss is incredibly tough. It takes a lot out of you. Whenever I see R;pple announce a new partnership, feature or piece of research, I am minded to remember what it has taken to realise it.”

The team at Havas People believes it is time for organisations to go beyond raising awareness. What matters now is action. “I feel we are well beyond needing to raise awareness of the need for suicide prevention, and now need businesses and people to act.”

Their donation reflects that belief. It also aligns with Havas’ broader mission to make a meaningful difference to brands, businesses and people.

That commitment is ongoing. The Life Jacket continues to grow, with R;pple included in every conversation about suicide prevention. “All the work we do at The Life Jacket also makes people aware of the R;pple tool,” concludes Jonathan.

Support R;pple

Whether it’s making an individual or corporate donation, organising a fundraising event, or taking on a challenge, there are countless ways you can support R;pple and help us protect individuals from dangerous online content.

Your support is essential in helping us provide critical support to those in need and prevent suicide. Get involved now.

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Sources:

1. Suicides in England and Wales, 2022, ONS

2. How R;pple Helps HR, R;pple

3. The Life Jacket