Signpost
If you have serious concerns for someone's safety, it's important to call 999 and to alert the most appropriate service for the situation. Here are some key indicators to look for:
- The person cannot keep themself safe and/or they are putting themself in harm's way.
- The person is struggling to understand that they will cope or cannot be distracted.
- They have disappeared or their whereabouts are unknown.
If the person is safe for now, it's important to remember that you are unlikely to be able to solve all of their problems, but you can help them to access further support or services.
The following services offer confidential support from trained staff and volunteers. You can talk about anything that is troubling you, no matter how difficult:
NHS24
If you're feeling distressed, in a state of despair, suicidal or in need of emotional support you can phone NHS 24 on 111.
Phone: 111
Visit: www.nhs24.scot
Samaritans
24-hour helpline offering emotional support for anyone feeling down, distressed or struggling to cope.
Phone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Visit: www.samaritans.org
SAMH Information Service
Whether you’re seeking support, are looking for more information for you or someone you love, or if you just want to have chat about mental health, we’re here to help. You can also speak to an advisor through our Live Web Chat which will pop up when an advisor is available.
Available: 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
Phone: 0344 800 0550
Email: info@samh.org.uk
Shout
Shout 85258 is the UK's first free, confidential, 24/7 text support service. It's a place to go if you're struggling to cope and need mental health support.
Phone: Text 85258
Visit: https://giveusashout.org/
Breathing Space
A confidential out of office hours telephone line for people over 16 experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression.
Phone: 0800 83 85 87
Visit: breathingspace.scot
Signposting to further support isn't the only way you can support someone with thoughts of suicide; you can also listen carefully to them, showing kindness and compassion, and you can help to create a safe plan.
United to Prevent Suicide
United to Prevent Suicide is a social movement of people from all across Scotland who are united in a shared belief that each and every one of us has a role to play in preventing suicide.
Find out more and join the movement
