Alice Hendy: The Visionary Cybersecurity Leader Transforming Suicide Prevention Through Technology
Alice Hendy MBE is one of the United Kingdom’s most influential voices at the intersection of cybersecurity, mental health, and suicide prevention. As the Founder and CEO of the award-winning R;pple Suicide Prevention Charity, she has transformed personal tragedy into a globally recognised digital intervention that saves lives at the very moment people are most vulnerable. Her work combines technical expertise, compassionate leadership, and a relentless commitment to social impact.
Who Is Alice Hendy?
Alice Hendy MBE: A Leader Driven by Purpose
Alice Hendy is a British cybersecurity specialist, social entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and mental health campaigner based in the Greater Portsmouth area. She is best known as the Founder and CEO of R;pple Suicide Prevention, an online crisis-intervention tool designed to intercept harmful searches related to self-harm and suicide and redirect users towards hope-led messages and verified mental health support.
In recognition of her exceptional contribution to suicide prevention and digital safety, Alice Hendy was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.
Alice Hendy MBE Age
Alice Hendy MBE was 32 in late 2023, 33 in early 2024, born circa 1991–1992, approximately 33–34 in 2025 today.
The Personal Tragedy Behind R;pple Suicide Prevention
Losing Her Brother Josh
The foundation of Alice Hendy’s mission lies in a deeply personal loss. In 2020, she lost her only sibling, Josh, who died by suicide at just 21 years old. As a cybersecurity professional, Alice recognised a painful truth: people in crisis often turn to the internet at their most vulnerable moments, where harmful content can reinforce despair rather than offer support.
Rather than stepping away from her grief, Alice transformed it into action.
The Birth of R;pple
In the same year, Alice Hendy founded R;pple Suicide Prevention Charity. The tool works by detecting potentially harmful search terms related to suicide or self-harm and displaying an immediate, non-judgmental interruption. Instead of graphic or triggering content, users are shown:
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A message of hope
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Gentle encouragement to pause
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Direct access to trusted mental health resources
R;pple does not track individuals or replace emergency services. Instead, it creates a vital moment of reflection that can save lives.
R;pple Suicide Prevention: A Life-Saving Digital Innovation
How the R;pple Tool Works
R;pple is an online interceptive technology that operates at the browser and organisational level. When a harmful query is detected, the tool intervenes instantly. This intervention is critical, as research consistently shows that small interruptions can significantly reduce impulsive behaviour during moments of crisis.
Global Reach and Impact
Since its launch, R;pple has:
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Been downloaded over one million times
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Been adopted by schools, universities, workplaces, and public sector organisations
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Earned recognition as a “game-changer” in suicide prevention technology
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Received over 40 national and international awards
Alice Hendy’s work through R;pple has positioned the UK as a global leader in proactive, tech-driven suicide prevention.
Alice Hendy’s Career in Cybersecurity
Cyber Culture Manager at Deloitte
Alongside her charity work, Alice Hendy is a senior cybersecurity professional. She currently serves as Global Phishing Drill Service Manager and Cyber Culture Manager at Deloitte. In this role, she leads multi-regional teams delivering global phishing simulations that reduce human cyber risk across thousands of employees worldwide.
Her responsibilities include:
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Designing advanced phishing campaigns
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Translating behavioural data into strategic insight
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Delivering targeted cyber awareness training
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Embedding a culture of vigilance and accountability
Extensive Industry Experience
Before Deloitte, Alice Hendy held senior cybersecurity roles at:
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QBE Insurance (Cyber Safety Specialist – European Lead)
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HSBC (Senior Cyber Security Specialist)
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Barclays (Cyber Security Manager)
Across these roles, she worked closely with organisations such as the Metropolitan Police, FBI, Microsoft, GCHQ, and the National Cyber Security Centre, helping to strengthen cyber awareness at scale.
Alice Hendy as a Public Speaker and Advocate
TEDx Speaker and One Young World Ambassador
Alice Hendy is also a TEDx Speaker, sharing her story and insights on suicide prevention, technology, and resilience with global audiences. Her talks focus on how digital environments can either deepen harm or become powerful tools for protection and hope.
She is a One Young World Ambassador, representing the UK on international platforms dedicated to leadership, innovation, and social change.
JAAQ Creator and Mental Health Educator
Alice is a JAAQ Creator, producing accessible, credible content on suicide prevention and bereavement. Through this platform, she answers difficult questions with honesty, empathy, and evidence-based information, helping to reduce stigma around mental health.
Education and Early Leadership
Academic Background
Alice Hendy studied Business Management and Leadership at Anglia Ruskin University, graduating with First Class Honours. During her studies, she was recognised as the most productive student of her graduating year.
Her education laid the groundwork for her later success in leadership, strategy, and organisational change.
Awards and Recognition
National and International Honours
Alice Hendy MBE has received widespread recognition for her work, including:
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MBE (2024) – For services to suicide prevention
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Mental Health Support Service of the Year
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Social Enterprise Start-Up of the Year
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Tech Innovation Awards
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Top 100 Women in Technology
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Purpose Entrepreneur of the Year
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Public Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative Awards
These honours reflect not only innovation, but sustained impact across mental health, technology, and community wellbeing.
Leadership Style and Values
Human-Centred Technology
A defining feature of Alice Hendy’s work is her belief that technology must serve humanity. Whether addressing phishing threats in global organisations or suicide risk online, her approach centres on behaviour, empathy, and prevention.
Privacy and Integrity
Alice Hendy keeps her personal life private, choosing instead to focus public attention on the mission, the data, and the people her work is designed to protect. This approach reinforces trust and credibility across both the mental health and cybersecurity sectors.
Why Alice Hendy Matters Today
Redefining Suicide Prevention
Alice Hendy has helped redefine suicide prevention for the digital age. Instead of reacting after tragedy occurs, her work focuses on early, compassionate intervention at the point of risk.
A Model for Social Impact Leadership
Her journey demonstrates how professional expertise, when combined with personal purpose, can create scalable solutions to some of society’s most complex problems.
Quick Info
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alice Hendy MBE |
| Born | Circa 1991–1992 |
| Age (2025) | Approximately 33–34 years |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Cybersecurity Specialist, Social Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Founder & CEO of R;pple Suicide Prevention |
| Founded R;pple | 2020 |
| Inspiration | Loss of her brother Josh to suicide |
| Current Role | Global Phishing Drill Service Manager, Deloitte |
| Education | BA Business Management & Leadership, Anglia Ruskin University |
| Honours | MBE (2024 New Year Honours) |
| Public Roles | TEDx Speaker, One Young World Ambassador, JAAQ Creator |
| Location | Greater Portsmouth Area, United Kingdom |
Conclusion: Alice Hendy’s Lasting Impact
Alice Hendy MBE is far more than a charity founder or cybersecurity expert. She is a pioneer of preventative digital care, a leader who has shown that technology, when guided by empathy and responsibility, can save lives.
Through R;pple Suicide Prevention, her leadership at Deloitte, and her global advocacy, Alice Hendy continues to shape a safer, more compassionate digital world — ensuring that those who search for harm instead encounter hope.
Her work stands as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, intervention, understanding, and human connection can change outcomes.
