The vision for GLASS EMPTY & The Whisperer Team
Purpose statement:
Glass Empty and the Whisperer Team exist to make it simple for anyone to quietly signal they’re struggling and for those around them to notice, respond, and ensure no one faces their hardest moments alone.
It's a movement bridging the gap between a stranger in distress and a caring local.
How this is done:
The signal itself, can be found on coasters and posters in leading venues that choose to participate in the creation of a more compassionate community.
Pubs, clubs, cafes, bars and breweries are places we gather in our best times, and sometimes when we're at our lowest. While The Whisperer Team doesn't pretend to be made up of professional counsellors, we recognise that people may need a bridge to assist them during their distress, to get them the appropriate help they need, on their terms.
We first and foremost advocate for friends, family members, loved ones or trusted colleagues to have the conversation around suicide with them, but if those people are not available or deemed unsuitable, and a telephone helpline is not chosen, then community can come together and support one another in such a way.
The individuals who make up a local Whisperer Team, that is "Pub Whisperers" and "Community Whisperers", will come to the aid of someone who deploys the GLASS EMPTY Signal or hands over a GE coaster to staff.
The Whisperer Team is trained with suicide prevention skills, to be competent in navigating conversations around suicide distress. Training follows a structured approach that allows strangers to get someone the help they need or even provide the support themselves, so that someone in distress feels safe again, no longer wanting to carry out a plan to end their life.
By featuring the GLASS EMPTY coasters, posters and supportive guide in leading venues it shows the community that the management and staff not only care for their patrons wellbeing, but are keen to demystify the myth that it is weak to discuss suicidal thoughts when one is experiencing them.
It instead normalises the conversation, as it literally passes the "pub test" and shows the community that talking about suicide distress is healthier than keeping it in, and having it potentially lead to suicide.
Coasters can be taken free from the venues to start conversations outside of its walls. By someone in distress to start a conversation later, or handed over to someone who may be in distress, if another is concerned for their safety.
The coasters start important conversations.
They spread goodwill amongst the community. Because it acts as a gift to someone in distress, to let them know they are cared about.
Why was this created?:
Glass Empty and the Whisperer Team was created because its founder saw that when people are struggling, the hardest part isn’t getting help—it’s asking for it—and he wanted to create a simple, human way for that moment to be seen without words.
At its core, it comes from recognising a gap: people suffer quietly in public spaces, surrounded by others, yet still feel completely alone. Jono set out to change that by making support visible, immediate, and something ordinary people can step into—not just professionals.
It’s about removing the barrier between “I need help” and “someone notices,” and replacing it with a small signal and a culture of care.
What are the goals and targets for GE & TWT?:
Core Goal
Build a culture where silent signals for help are recognised and responded to in everyday environments.
North Star (the real target)
A moment where someone silently signals distress—and someone nearby always notices and responds.
Glass Empty and the Whisperer Team exist to make it simple for anyone to quietly signal they’re struggling and for those around them to notice, respond, and ensure no one faces their hardest moments alone.
It's a movement bridging the gap between a stranger in distress and a caring local.
How this is done:
The signal itself, can be found on coasters and posters in leading venues that choose to participate in the creation of a more compassionate community.
Pubs, clubs, cafes, bars and breweries are places we gather in our best times, and sometimes when we're at our lowest. While The Whisperer Team doesn't pretend to be made up of professional counsellors, we recognise that people may need a bridge to assist them during their distress, to get them the appropriate help they need, on their terms.
We first and foremost advocate for friends, family members, loved ones or trusted colleagues to have the conversation around suicide with them, but if those people are not available or deemed unsuitable, and a telephone helpline is not chosen, then community can come together and support one another in such a way.
The individuals who make up a local Whisperer Team, that is "Pub Whisperers" and "Community Whisperers", will come to the aid of someone who deploys the GLASS EMPTY Signal or hands over a GE coaster to staff.
The Whisperer Team is trained with suicide prevention skills, to be competent in navigating conversations around suicide distress. Training follows a structured approach that allows strangers to get someone the help they need or even provide the support themselves, so that someone in distress feels safe again, no longer wanting to carry out a plan to end their life.
By featuring the GLASS EMPTY coasters, posters and supportive guide in leading venues it shows the community that the management and staff not only care for their patrons wellbeing, but are keen to demystify the myth that it is weak to discuss suicidal thoughts when one is experiencing them.
It instead normalises the conversation, as it literally passes the "pub test" and shows the community that talking about suicide distress is healthier than keeping it in, and having it potentially lead to suicide.
Coasters can be taken free from the venues to start conversations outside of its walls. By someone in distress to start a conversation later, or handed over to someone who may be in distress, if another is concerned for their safety.
The coasters start important conversations.
They spread goodwill amongst the community. Because it acts as a gift to someone in distress, to let them know they are cared about.
Why was this created?:
Glass Empty and the Whisperer Team was created because its founder saw that when people are struggling, the hardest part isn’t getting help—it’s asking for it—and he wanted to create a simple, human way for that moment to be seen without words.
At its core, it comes from recognising a gap: people suffer quietly in public spaces, surrounded by others, yet still feel completely alone. Jono set out to change that by making support visible, immediate, and something ordinary people can step into—not just professionals.
It’s about removing the barrier between “I need help” and “someone notices,” and replacing it with a small signal and a culture of care.
What are the goals and targets for GE & TWT?:
Core Goal
Build a culture where silent signals for help are recognised and responded to in everyday environments.
North Star (the real target)
A moment where someone silently signals distress—and someone nearby always notices and responds.
