One supporter becoming the sole point of contact
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
Creating a Support Network Around Suicidal Thoughts
One safe step at a time.
A support network shares responsibility across trusted people and appropriate professionals so safety does not depend on one exhausted person or one future appointment.
Direct answerSay what is happening.
Say what is happening.
Bring another person in.
A support network shares responsibility across trusted people and appropriate professionals so safety does not depend on one exhausted person or one future appointment.
Different people can offer different forms of help: immediate contact, transport, practical tasks, overnight company, childcare, clinical assessment or follow-up. The person experiencing thoughts should be involved in the plan wherever safety and capacity allow.
A proportionate next step
Write down names, roles, contact details, unavailable times, urgent services and the point at which supporters will call 999. Agree what information can be shared and review the network after any change or crisis.
Signals to take seriouslyLook for change.
Look for change.
Ask about safety.
No list or score predicts suicide. These prompts help begin a direct conversation and decide whether urgent services are needed.
Gaps overnight, during travel or at weekends
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
Unclear responsibility for appointments and medicines
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
The person withdrawing from every agreed contact
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
What to doUse a short
Use a short
safety sequence.
The aim is not to produce a diagnosis. It is to reduce isolation and reach the right level of help.
Ask directly and listen
Use calm, plain language. Give the person time to answer and reflect back what you heard without debate, guilt or forced optimism.
Clarify immediate safety
Ask whether the person may act, has made preparations or can stay safe. Do not use a risk score or a verbal promise as a substitute for professional assessment.
Create connection and distance from danger
Stay together when safety is uncertain, move towards a safer shared place, involve another trusted person and reduce access to danger without confrontation.
Use the appropriate UK route
Write down names, roles, contact details, unavailable times, urgent services and the point at which supporters will call 999. Agree what information can be shared and review the network after any change or crisis.
Important boundarySupport is shared.
Support is shared.
Safety is not a private burden.
A family network cannot replace professional assessment or become an informal round-the-clock crisis team. If the plan is not enough to maintain safety, use urgent or emergency services.
Suicidal thoughts require human contact and, where indicated, professional assessment. Never delay NHS or emergency help while waiting for an iMetaWellness response.
Conversation prompts
Four clear questions.
Adapt the language to age, communication needs and the relationship, while keeping the meaning direct.
Are you thinking about suicide?
This names the concern without euphemism and gives the person permission to answer directly.
Do you feel you may act on those thoughts?
A “yes”, uncertainty or inability to answer clearly can require urgent or emergency action.
Can you stay safe while we contact help?
Do not leave someone alone when safety is uncertain. Call 999 or go to A&E for immediate danger.
Who else can help us carry this now?
Identify a trusted person and the relevant NHS, GP, mental-health or emergency route.
Non-crisis supportUrgent route first.
Urgent route first.
Private enquiry afterwards.
Once immediate safety and clinical support are established, use the patient form to ask whether complementary wellbeing support is suitable.