Suicide affects many people and communities but suicide prevention is everyone’s business. There is help and support for those who are feeling suicidal or those caring for someone who is having thoughts of suicide.
If you or someone you know is in danger of suicide, please seek help immediately. You should:
- Call 999
- Use your local emergency department.
- Call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000
Lifeline is a crisis response helpline service operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in distress or despair, you can call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 and talk to an experienced counsellor in confidence.
Lifeline counsellors are experienced in working with trauma, suicide, self-harm, abuse, depression and anxiety. You will receive immediate help on the phone. Should you need further support they can provide a face-to-face counselling appointment in your local area within seven days.
It can also help to talk to your GP and there are many local services that offer help and support on a range of issues that can affect mental health. Click here to see directories of mental health and suicide prevention services for all five Trust areas.
Suicide Prevention Training
The Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department offers training to help you understand why people become suicidal and to help and signpost the person who is distressed.
We recommend that everyone complete the Zero Suicide Alliance eLearning course that only takes 20 minutes and can be done on any internet-enabled device.
Our courses include SafeTALK (Suicide Awareness for Everyone, Talk, Ask, Listen, Keep Safe), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Engage and Connecting with Young Men. You can find details about these in our training brochure.
Other Useful Telephone Numbers and Helplines
- If you are a child or young person, you can talk to Childline by phoning: 0800 1111 for free, 24hours a day or online at www.childline.org.uk
- Samaritans: A safe space for you to talk: 116 123
- 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline: Free phone support, advice and signposting for men and women: 0808 802 1414
- NSPCC helpline – helping adults protect children 0808 800 5000
- Inspire Workplace helpline (formerly Carecall): 0808 800 0002
- For all other local helplines for a variety of services in Northern Ireland, please visit Helplines Network NI
Other Resources and Support
Useful websites
Useful Apps
Here2Help : This app was developed by East Antrim Counselling and provides signposting to anyone in crisis or distress.
Stay Alive : This app is a pocket suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide.
NHS recommended mental health apps have a range of apps to support your mental health and wellbeing.