Enabling conversations toolkit
A guide created by and for young people to find help and support when experiencing painful feelings about suicide.
This is a tool to help you discover ways you can talk to others about painful feelings like self-harm and suicide in a way that you feel comfortable and in control.
Communicating doesn't have to be spoken verbally, feelings can be written or even drawn, but it is important to communicate no matter how you decide to do it.
You can use this toolkit to help you decide on:
A safe and trusted person to talk to
An environment you feel secure in
Little things to keep you grounded
Most importantly it can give you confidence in the methods you've picked to explain your feelings your way, talk honestly about your situation, and build a support system around yourself.
Always remember, you don't have to do this alone.
Emotional pain can be hard to navigate.
Sometimes this pain can manifest into feelings of suicide.
If you are feeling suicidal seeking help is important.
You may be worried about talking to someone about suicide in case you are viewed or treated differently.
We call this stigma.
Stigma around suicide stops people from talking about it at all.
Download this map to help you on your journey
It includes helpful advice about how to approach
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 and support lines
Self Harm Network
Chat to one of the team from 6pm-10pmPapyrus
Direct support for young people and a debriefing service for anyone supporting a young person in crisis.Call: 0800 068 4141 | Text: 88247 | Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
The Spark
Free and confidential counselling helpline for individuals, couples, families, children and young people in Scotland.Call: 0808 802 2088
Information about how to look after your emotional wellbeing, support from organisations around Scotland and tips on how to promote a positive mindset.
LGBT Youth Scotland
Youth worker support, youth groups, live chat and discord server.
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.
