A safety plan includes what and who might support you in a crisis; particularly when you are thinking about suicide. It may include techniques to distract you, what to do in an emergency and reminders of positive parts of your life you want to hold onto.

Safety plans are brief and easy to read. You write them in your own words, and they can help you feel more in control. We believe everyone would benefit from having a safety plan to help keep themselves well.

Below is further information to help you understand more about safety plans, including useful resources to download and get you started creating your own safety plan. There is also more general support information including how we can all help build our suicide prevention awareness.

*The Staying Safe website is a potentially life-saving resource developed by 4 Mental Health, with invaluable input from their Expert Reference Group of international academics, people with lived experience (including of surviving a suicide attempt, self-harm, supporting a friend or family member or bereavement by suicide), suicide prevention experts, mental health practitioners, general practitioners, policy makers, public health experts, sector experts, educationalists and concerned citizens.

Suicide Prevention Community Development Workers

Our friendly and supportive suicide prevention community development workers are always happy to answer questions and give advice about personal safety plans. Please get in touch with them if you would like to know more.