Frequently asked questions about suicide prevention
Here are some answers to questions we are often asked. If you have a question, it is important that you ask.
Tell someone you trust as soon as you can and seek support.
Adults, children and young people can call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time. If you are under 19, you can also call Childline free on 0800 1111, and people aged 10 to 25 in Kent and Medway can use Kooth for free, safe and anonymous online support.
Adults aged 18 and over can visit a Kent and Medway Safe Haven for drop-in mental health support; visit www.mhm.org.uk/kent-safe-havens to find your nearest one. For urgent mental health support at any age, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. If there is an immediate danger to life or safety, call 999 or go to A&E.
Seek support if you feel overwhelmed, hopeless, unable to cope, isolated, unsafe, or are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide. You do not need to wait until things reach crisis point.
You will be connected to someone trained to help people experiencing an urgent mental health crisis. They can listen, assess what support is needed and help you find the right service.
Yes. Asking clearly and compassionately does not put the idea into someone’s head. It can give them permission to talk honestly about how they feel.
Stay calm, listen without judgement and take them seriously. Help them contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option. Call 999 if there is immediate danger. Do not leave them alone if you can stay safely.
Yes. Children and young people can experience suicidal thoughts and emotional distress. Take any concern seriously, listen calmly and use clear, age-appropriate language. Involve a parent, carer or safeguarding professional unless doing so would place the young person at greater risk.
For support, call Kent and Medway Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service on 0800 011 3474, Childline on 0800 1111 if they are under 19, or text YM to 85258. They can also call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time or use Kooth for free, safe and anonymous online support if they are aged 10 to 25. For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. If there is an immediate danger to life or safety, call 999 or go to A&E.
They can speak to a trusted adult, school, GP or health professional. Kent and Medway Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service (CYPMHS) can be contacted free on 0800 011 3474. Childline provides free, confidential support for anyone under 19 on 0800 1111. Young people can also text YM to 85258 for free text support.
Kent and Medway Safe Havens provide free, face-to-face mental health support for adults aged 18 and over in a welcoming, non-clinical setting. No referral or appointment is needed.
You can text STAND to 85258 for free, confidential text support in Kent and Medway. Young people can text YM to 85258.
Yes. NHS 111 mental health support, Samaritans and Shout are available at any time. Safe Haven availability and location details are published on the service website.
You can speak to your GP, Samaritans, Cruse Bereavement Support, Amparo or an organisation listed by the Support After Suicide Partnership. Seek urgent mental health support if you feel unable to keep yourself safe.
Yes. Suicidal thoughts can change and support can help. Reaching out and getting through the next few minutes or hours can be an important first step.
