Suicide support

Preventing Suicide in Sussex

If you are thinking about suicide, or are worried about someone who might be, help is just a click away.  Don’t ignore the warning signs. Together we can stop it.

General advice

If you are going through a difficult time or are worried about someone else, don’t go through it alone ... TALK

Tell someone what you are thinking and how you are feeling

Ask for their help or seek help

Listen to their advice or seek advice from others

Know who to call in a crisis and keep the number with you at all times

If you are concerned your child may be feeling suicidal, the following advice may help:

• Notice when they seem upset, withdrawn or irritable
• Encourage them to talk about their worries, listen to them and help them find their own solutions
• Keep all medicines locked away, including painkillers such as paracetamol
• Suggest your child talks to their GP or a Counsellor about how they feel

Where to go for help

Below are some useful helpline numbers and websites where support is available:

• Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (also known as the Sussex Mental Healthline - available 24/7) 
• Call the Samaritans on 116 123 (available 24/7)
• Visit a Staying Well service (out-of-hours mental health crisis support service for people aged 18+). Available in Crawley and Worthing.
• Text the word SUSSEX to 85258 (24/7 mental health text-messaging support service).
• Download the Stay Alive app - a suicide prevention resource full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis
• Papyrus - a service for young people at risk of suicide.
  Tel: 0800 068 41 41
  Text: 07786 209697

Bereavement support

• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) -  service for Young Men
  Tel: 0800 58 58 58
• Childline
  Tel: 0800 1111
• Help is at Hand - a booklet for people bereaved by suicide

Dealing with suicidal feelings

• Mind
  Tel: 0300 123393
• Pathfinder - crisis support in West Sussex
  
• SANE
  SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm – 10.30pm daily)
• Factsheet: Suicidal thoughts - how to cope

Training

Zero Suicide Alliance - offers a free online (20 minute) suicide prevention training that will teach you how to recognise the warning signs and safeguard someone that could be contemplating suicide.