Creating Hope Through Action

Theme set by the International Association for Suicide Prevention

Action through learning

To learn more about suicide, start here at Mental Health UK's list of online resources. These include facts, myths, resources, and where to go for support.

Action through support

It is easy to feel isolated and alone whilst navigating the asylum system in a hostile environment. Our service users have highlighted the need for safe spaces to come together, build connections, engage with coping strategies, and access 1:1 support around practical and mental health needs.

Feeling isolated is one of the biggest indicators of suicidal ideation that our service users disclose. When it feels like there is no hope and nobody there to listen or support, thoughts can shift to things like, "I would be better off dead" or "I wish I wasn't here anymore". Support that is reliable, trustworthy, and consistent can be a strong protective factor in suicide prevention.

Talking to people and asking direct questions around how they are feeling and if they are thinking about or planning to end their lives allows us to connect them with support services that can provide specialist support around suicide prevention. Asking about suicide does not make it more likely! Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions - especially if you are a professional and have a duty of care to safeguarding people.

Action through hearing from our service users

"Mental health support gives me motivation that at least there is someone I can speak with about my life and how I am feeling"

“When I know I will be able to speak to someone on xyz-day, it’s easier for me to get through the difficulties of the week, to hold on till that moment in the end”

"Mental health support is the light in the dark I got someone to talk about my difficult days and about my worries”

Action through being more aware

• There are some indicators when someone is more likely to attempt suicide. Factors may include:
• Threatening self-harm or to end their life
• Talking or writing about their own suicide or death, or talking a lot about death in general
• Thanking you or trying to make amends out of nowhere
• Storing medication
• Giving things away, making wills, putting things "in order"

Not everyone will display an indicator. If you have a gut feeling about someone, listen to it, and speak with them directly. Some people will exhibit a false happiness beforehand, which you may find unusual or worrisome. Others may not display any different behaviour.

Often people try to talk to someone before they commit suicide. if someone comes to you and tells you they are experiencing suicidal ideation, take them seriously, even if they present it as not that serious. 

Hope through Action

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, the first step is asking for professional help. You can do this by:

Calling your GP and asking for an emergency appointment

• NHS 111
• Local or national helplines
• 999 (for emergencies)

England:

• NHS 111
• Samaritans 116123

Scotland:

• NHS 111
• Breathing Space 0800838587

Northern Ireland:

• Lifeline 08088088000
• Samaritans 116123

Wales:

• NHS Direct 08454647
• Samaritans Wales 116123
• or 08081640123 (Cymraeg)