Suicide prevention helplines
The Facts: Why we need to talk about suicide
125 people die by suicide every week in the UK. We need to talk about suicide more openly so we can understand it, break the stigma surrounding it and save more lives.
The Signs: What to keep an eye out for
There are NO catch-all signs to look out for. But there’s some stuff to keep an eye out for:
In real life there are the ones you’ll know:
talking about wanting to die
extreme mood swings
drinking more than they usually do.
But there are also subtle ones too:
getting easily annoyed or frustrated
not looking after their hygiene or personal appearance
But remember, sometimes you’ll see none of the above. So if you ever suspect someone is struggling, trust your gut and reach out to them.
The Words: How to start a conversation
Let them know you’re there. Don’t worry about finding the perfect words – there’s no right or wrong, just let them know they have your support.
Yeah, it might be awkward at first but it could also be the most important conversation you ever have - and we’ve got loads of practical tips to help.
Do:
allow them time to talk
ask questions like “how does that make you feel?”
reassure them that these feelings aren’t permanent and support is available.
Don’t:
try and fix things
pretend to know how they feel
convince them how lucky they are.
The Support: Where to direct them if they’re struggling
You don’t have to have all the answers. If someone is struggling, the best thing to do is let them know they can always speak to an expert and that support is available right now if they need it.
Support
NHS – Call 111
If you're feeling like you want to die, it's important to tell someone. Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.
The Samaritans Tel: 116 123
Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year. We provide a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them. Please call 116 123 email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of the nearest branch.
Shout
Text Shout to 85258
Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)Helpline: 0800 58 58 58www.thecalmzone.net
Suicidal ThoughtsThe Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) works to prevent male suicide and offers support services for any man who is struggling or in crisis. CALM’s helpline 0800 58 58 58 and web-chat are for men in the UK who need to talk or find information and support. The services are open 5pm–midnight daily and are free, anonymous and confidential. For access or to find more information visit thecalmzone.net
SOS Silence of Suicide
For support call: 0808 115 1505 (8pm to midnight M-F. 4 to midnight Sat/Sun)
We support everyone affected by suicide, whether they be bereaved, having thoughts of suicide, or have attempted suicide. No one should feel awkward. No one should feel isolated, we will continue to support everyone and anyone who needs our help.
MindMindInfoline: 0300 123 3393
Side by side - on-line support community
The MindinfoLine offers thousands of callers confidential help on a range of mental health issues. Mind helps people take control of their mental health. We do this by providing high-quality information and advice, and campaigning to promote and protect good mental health for everyone. They also provide a special legal service to the public, lawyers and mental health workers.
Rethink
Advice & Information Helpline: 0808 801 0525
Suicidal thoughts - How to cope
We know that if people don’t receive the right support, mental illness can destroy their lives. We recognise gaps in service provision and respond to these by developing and delivering services that provide high-quality care and support to people severely affected by mental illness. Our services keep people living with mental illness safe and well in the community, prevent their needs from escalating, and help them live independently, access the information, support and care they are entitled to, and understand and exercise their rights.
PapyrusHOPELINEUK – 0800 068 4141
Text – 07860 039967www.papyrus-uk.org
Thinking of suicide?Support for anyone under 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Trauma Research UK
We are a national registered trauma research charity dedicated to making a difference. Offering support and recovery programmes to those suffering from trauma and anxiety-related disorders such as phobias, panic attacks, PTSD, OCD, GAD etc. We know you may be suffering right now, but please consider this - “It's not what's wrong with you, it's what happened to you”.
Kooth.com
Kooth.com is an online counselling service that provides vulnerable young people, between the ages of 11 and 25, with advice and support for emotional or mental health problems. Kooth.com offers users a free, confidential, safe and anonymous way to access help.
ChildLine
Helpline: 0800 11 11
ChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people. You can contact ChildLine in these ways: You can phone on 0800 1111, send us an email, have a 1-2-1 chat with us, send a message to Ask Sam and you can post messages to the ChildLine message boards. You can contact ChildLine about anything - no problem is too big or too small. If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone you can contact ChildLine.
Young MindsParents Helpline: 0808 802 5544www.youngminds.org.uk
Crisis MessengerWe’re the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. We want to see a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health, and all young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what.
The Mix
Life’s tough, we know that. It can throw a lot your way and make it hard to know what the hell to do with it all. So, welcome to The Mix. Whether you’re 13, 25, or any age in between, we’re here to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts you have. We give you the information and support you need to deal with it all. Because you can. Because you’re awesome.
WTF - Will Garvey Trust Foundation
www.willgarveytrustfoundation.org.uk
If you are not feeling so good right now or you are concerned about someone then click on one of the “Help” buttons. Whether its sadness, loneliness, depression, anxiety, stress or any other scary feeling, then we want to help with signposts to resources (videos, podcasts, reading materials and groups) that can be beneficial; and in particular, signposts to teams who can be contacted (by phone, text or online), who will listen and talk and provide more personalised support and guidance. There are resources and people that really can make a difference.
Students Against Depression
Students Against Depression is a website offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking. Alongside clinically-validated information and resources it presents the experiences, strategies and advice of students themselves – after all, who are better placed to speak to their peers about how depression can be overcome.
Molly Rose Foundation
The aim of the Molly Rose Foundation is suicide prevention, targeted towards young people under the age of 25. Many young people feel they are a burden or undeserving of support. By asking the question, you are showing that you are ready to listen and will help them to access support. Not asking is too great a risk to take. We want to help spot those suffering from mental illness and connect them to the help, support and practical advice they need.