Getting help in a crisis

Support for Suicidal Thoughts

The current times have brought uncertainty, insecurity or isolation for many members of our community. Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts, and many people think about suicide at some point in their lifetime. Fortunately, these feelings are usually temporary (even though it might not feel that way in the moment) and help is available. It is really important to talk to someone if you are feeling this way, whether that’s a trusted friend or family member, NHS support, or voluntary organisations.

There is no one right way to talk about suicidal thoughts, the important thing is to start a conversation with someone that you trust.

NHS Support

· Contact your GP surgery to request an emergency appointment (GPs are the first point of call for many people who are struggling with their mental health)

· If your GP surgery is not open, call the free NHS medical line on 111 for help accessing the right services.

If you feel like you cannot keep yourself safe and you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or attempting to take your life:

Go to the closest Accident and Emergency (A&E Department).
Call 999 to request an ambulance if you cannot go to the hospital yourself

Voluntary Organisations

Samaritans: Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Email support also offered: jo@samaritans.org Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline) Website: www.samaritans.org

Papyrus: For people under 35 Call 0800 068 41 41 – Monday to Friday 9am to 10pm, weekends and bank holidays 2pm to 10pm Text 07860 039967 Email pat@papyrus-uk.org . Website: https://papyrus-uk.org/

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35. Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight) Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Shout Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text Shout to 85258 Website: https://www.giveusashout.org/

LGBT Switchboard: Switchboard provides an information, support and referral services for LGBTQ+ people throughout the UK. Telephone Helpline – 0300 330 0630 open 10am till 10pm every day. www.switchboard.lgbt

The Silver Line Friendship and advice to older people The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call 0800 4 70 80 90. Website: https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/

International Support: For those outside the UK, a list of organisations can be found here.

Hub of Hope: Not a crisis service, but does list local mental health support organisations in your area, if you are looking for longer-term mental health support: https://hubofhope.co.uk/

Other Tips

Avoid alcohol and drugs
If you are able to, go to a safe place e.g. a friend’s house
Make a safety plan – this is a written document that you create to identify actions and strategies to resist suicidal thoughts and develop positive ways to cope with stress and emotional distress. There are a number of templates available including:
Rethink provides many other useful tips for coping with suicidal thoughts.