Have a look around the room/house to see if you can remove any items to keep people safe. For example, if they say they are going to take some tablets – lock these in the boot of your car, or if they say they are going to use a knife- move it to safe place.
Distract them to calm them down
Try something to distract them – dancing, singing, talking about what you had for dinner, reading aloud from a book, putting the TV on. Here are some more ideas for you. (LINK TO DISTRACTION TECHNIQUES)
Get them to talk to a mental health professional
Call NHS 111 and select option 2 for mental health. It is 24/7 and staffed by professionals who are here to help.
If you think they need immediate medical attention, or are at immediate risk of hurting themselves or you, call 999.
Take time for yourself
We know this is a distressing time. We need you to know you are not alone and help is available. Please reach out and talk to us or a support group.
The best thing we can do to support those with suicidal thoughts, is to get them some support. Suicide is preventable.
Practical tips to help you support someone
It is important to know you are not alone. Support is available for you.
More Knowledge - Online Training
If you have some time (between 5 and 20 mins) and you’d like to learn more, watch this Suicide Awareness Training. It has some great tips and information on signs to look for, how to have a conversation with someone you are worried about and where to direct people to access support.
Also, if you have access to a streaming service – have a listen to our Mental Health Support Workers on their podcast. They cover lots of wellbeing issues including LGBTQ+, starting conversations, mindfulness, body image, dealing with uncertainty and seasonal changes amongst others.
Our recovery college can help with real life examples and tips on how to challenge thinking and ways to become more resilient. Here is a #lincsrecoverycollege YouTube playlist with a number of videos.
Information Pack
Rethink has created a short information pack on how to support people who are having suicidal thoughts. You can view this on the Rethink website.
Support groups and helplines
NHS 111
If you need help now, call 111 and select option 2 for mental health. If your life is in danger, phone 999.
Night Light Cafes
Night Light Cafes are across the county. You can book a visit by calling 09000111200 or sending a message via Instagram DM or Facebook Messenger. Opening times differ across the county, so double check before setting off.
Andy’s Man Club is in Lincoln. It runs a talking groups for men who have either been through a storm, are currently going through a storm or have a storm brewing in life.
The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.
Bright Sky
Bright Sky is a free to download, confidential mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.
Catch It
Learn how to manage feelings like anxiety and depression with Catch It. The app will teach you how to look at problems in a different way, turn negative thoughts into positive ones and improve your mental wellbeing. Visit your app store to download the app.
Calm Harm
Calm Harm is an app designed to help people resist or manage the urge to self-harm. It's private and password protected.
Blue Ice
BlueIce is an evidenced-based app to help young people manage their emotions and reduce urges to self-harm. It includes a mood diary, a toolbox of evidencebased techniques to reduce distress and automatic routing to emergency numbers if urges to harm continue. Visit Website to download.
Chill Panda
Learn to relax, manage your worries and improve your wellbeing with Chill Panda. The app measures your heart rate and suggests tasks to suit your state of mind. Tasks include simple breathing techniques and light exercises to take your mind off your worries. Visit your app store to download the app.
Beat Panic
Beat Panic is designed to guide people through a panic attack or raised anxiety using their phone.
Big White Word
Big White Wall is an online community for people who are stressed, anxious or feeling low. The service has an active forum with round-the-clock support from trained professionals. You can talk anonymously to other members and take part in group or oneto-one therapy with therapists. Visit website to download.
Useful contacts
Call NHS 111 for urgent mental health support. Selecting option 2 for mental health.
