Keeping Yourself Safe - For Parents, Carers and Trusted Adults
If you are concerned that your child or young person is feeling suicidal:
Papyrus
Call, text or email Papyrus to speak to one of their trained advisers: call on 0800 068 41 41, text on 88247, or email on pat@papyrus-uk.org. More information is available on Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide HOPELINE247 | Papyrus
If you prefer to speak to someone in a language other than English, Papyrus work with Language Line to provide translation services in over 240 languages. Just state your preferred language when you call.
For your Child or Young Person:
Childline - open 24/7
If your child or young person is under 19, they can call, chat online, or email about any issue. Call them on 0800 1111.
They can sign up for a free Childline 'Locker' to use the free one-to-one counsellor chat, as well as email support. Sign up and find more information here: Childline
Childline can also provide a BSL interpreter if your child or young person is d/Deaf or hard of hearing.
SHOUT – open 24/7
Shout provide a free, 24/7 text support service. Just text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258 to message with a trained Shout volunteer.
Find out more on: Shout
My Child/Young Person Needs Support
It can be scary to realise that your child or young person is struggling with overwhelming thoughts and feelings, and sometimes these thoughts can even be about hurting themselves or not wanting to be here. When they are experiencing these thoughts, it can be difficult to think about things that help them feel better, so it can be useful to have a list of things that make them feel safe. They might want to do this with you, or by themselves.
What things have they done in the past that have helped? Try to think back to time that they have experienced painful thoughts and feelings, if they feel comfortable to do so. What helped? When children and young people are struggling, it can hard to think of these things, so it can be good to write them down.
Things they can do when they are dealing with difficult feelings:
- Watch a film or TV programme that makes them laugh
- Wrap ice in a towel and hold in my hand for as long as they can
- Get in touch with a friend or someone who cares about them
- Tear up an old newspaper
- Splash face with cold water
- Take a nice bubble bath
- Relaxation breathing– breathe in for 4 seconds & out for 5–8 seconds, for 1–2 minutes
- Be creative – try drawing, writing, playing music
- Play with a pet or sibling
- Go for a walk with a family member
- Throw a cushion against a wall or my bed
Who can they speak to?
- A trusted family member
- An adult in school (e.g. a teacher, school nurse, counsellor)
- A trusted friend
- Childline (call on 0800 1111 – 24/7)
- Papyrus (call on 0800 068 41 41, text on 88247 – 24/7)
- Meic (call or WhatsApp on 0808 80 23456 – 8am to midnight every day). More information here: Meiccymru
Have a look at our page on Coping with Difficult Thoughts and Feelings for more information and resources.