Supporting a young person
Here you'll find helpful information if a young person has asked you to look at this page. Take your time, and know support is available.
It's good that you're here
There's a good chance that a young person you know has asked you to visit this web page.
Perhaps they've given you a QR code and asked you to take a look.
It may be that they have disclosed to you that they are thinking about suicide.
Regardless, it's very possible that they're looking for some support and they consider you their 'safe person'.
Before anything else, take a pause
You might be stressed or anxious about someone you care about, but it is really important to keep calm.
On this page, you will find helpful advice and support so for a moment take a breath, because we know it's not easy.
One thing to say, is that when you are able to talk with the young person that you listen to them, and make sure they know you've heard what they're saying.
Where to start?
The young person may well have a toolkit which has information and advice including some simple activities.
You might like to talk to them about this.
A 'safe person' is a good listener, can be trusted, is usually close by, and will always be responsible and respectful of people's feelings.
Your young person may also have thought about a method of communication and the right space to have a chat. Ask them.
The enabling conversations toolkit
In partnership with V&A, we've developed a toolkit with young people to help them think about what to do if they are having thoughts of suicide. We appreciate that it's a really difficult subject, and that's why this resource has been created to help have conversations that can keep young people safe.
This guide help the young person decide on, a safe and trusted person to talk to, an environment they feel secure in, and to think about little things to keep them grounded.
You are welcome to use these resources. Simply click to download the right resource for you:
Enabling Conversations toolkit - printable, colour version
Enabling Conversations toolkit - printable, black and white version
Enabling Conversations toolkit - digital version (not for printing)
Enabling Conversations Belly Bands - printable
If you need support now
There may be a chance that your young person is in danger.
It's important to ask them if they are considering suicide.
If you are in any doubt about whether they can keep themselves safe, please contact one of the support services below.
Do not hesitate to dial 999 if you think the young person is in immediate danger.
You are trusted
Being trusted means that a young person feels they can confide in you, which is good news.
But it doesn't mean you need to have all the answers.
Right now your young person doesn't need a perfect response.
They just need one that isn't negative.
Information & support lines
If a person is in immediate danger, you can contact the police on 999.
Whoever you're worried about, don't shoulder this alone. Reach out to a trusted family member, friend or professional if you can, so you have support too.
There are also helplines below which can help you:
HOPELINE247
Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 88247
Open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week
Childline
Call: 0800 11 11
Online Chat: Free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service
Open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, for those under 19
Shout
Text: 85258
You will receive an automatic reply before being connected to a trained volunteer
Open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week
Our Enabling Conversations toolkit was co-produced with young people and created by Cat Laird and Eilidh Macleod in partnership with V&A Dundee and Suicide Prevention Scotland.
