Suicide prevention
Suicide is when someone ends their own life and thousands of people die by suicide in the UK every year.
Risk factors might include:
- Difficult life events, including trauma and abuse
- Bereavement
- Substance misuse
- Loneliness
- Depression/self-harming
- Chronic physical pain.
Below are some links to help you understand more about suicide and how to help someone struggling with suicidal thoughts:
Mind UK
Mind are a national charity working to raise awareness of mental health issues, they also offer practical support and counselling through local networks.
Understanding suicidal thoughts | Mental health support | Mind
Samaritans UK
The Samaritans offer a 24-hour telephone, email and online chat service for people in a crisis, particularly those suicidal thoughts. They also offer advice to family members or anyone worried about the mental health of another person.
Childline
Childline provides free, confidential 24/7 support for anyone under 19, offering counselling by phone (0800 1111), email, and online chat for any concern, big or small.
Many young people are contacting Childline about serious mental health issues, with over 18,000 counselling sessions in 2024-25 focused on suicidal thoughts and feelings, averaging more than 50 sessions every day.
Adults worried about a child can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm) or email help@nspcc.org.uk for advice and guidance.