Every expression of an emotional distress, suicidal or self-harming thought needs to be taken seriously, met with empathy and understanding, where those who are struggling are validated. When you can’t control what’s happening, you can challenge yourself to control how you respond especially in moments of emotional distress. Having a Safety Plan will give you a list of things that you can work through during times of distress.

Dr Alys Cole-King and an expert group including people with lived experience of emotional distress developed some resources to enhance this principle of suicide prevention (safety planning). She believed that everyone should have access to safety planning, because with the right support people do recover, for every tragedy we know of there is at least one story of hope.

The Staying Safe website resources helps you to build your own safety plan to keep you safe from suicidal thoughts.  We advocate that everyone should consider what their own safety plan is, in the event that such feelings ever occur- they are the equivalent of break down cover for our cars- we don’t hope we need to use such cover, but should we need to, they are there in readiness and we can get home safe.

Staying Safe Website 

What is a Safety Plan? 

How to Create a safety plan                                    

Downloadable Blank Safety Plan PDF

How to create a Safety Plan Electronically

‘Staying Safe’ Training –  is a free online training resource to support the use of Staying Safe website equipping participants with the skills and confidence both to make their own Safety Plan and to encourage and support others to do the same. Training has been designed to be used in a wide range of settings and roles, including the NHS and social care, first responders, third sector organisations, carers, peer support groups, community groups, schools and universities. https://www.stayingsafe.net/training-materials

‘Staying Safe Resources’ to support Staying Safe Training-The resource contains helpful information, details of organisations to contact, and a blank Safety Plan template.

Here are some resources that you might want to access in order for you to gain some immediate support and immediate hope- if you find talking to others at this time difficult.