BRIDGE FM COMMUNITY ACTION

• BRIDGEND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICE
  
  PREVENTING YOUTH SUICIDE ADVICE FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS

Warning signs:
- Suicidal threats in the form of direct and indirect statements.
- Suicidal notes and plans
- Prior suicidal behaviour
- Making final arrangements (eg. Giving away possessions)
- Preoccupation with death
- Changes in appearance, thoughts or feelings.

What to do:
Young people who are suicidal are frequently unlikely to seek help directly. Parents, teachers and peers can recognise the warning signs and should take immediate action to keep them safe.

The following actions should be taken:
- Remain calm
- Ask them if they are thinking about suicide
- Listen
- Focus on concern for their well-being
- Reassure then help is available
- Do not judge
- Provide supervision in a calm manner to avoid intensifying anxieties
- Remove means of self-harm
- Get help. Peers should not agree to keep suicidal thoughts a secret, and should tell a responsible adult. Parents should seek help from the school, GP, support service and help lines.

Key Contacts -

SAMARITANS -  08457 90 90 90 (24 hours) www.samaritans.org
Whatever you're going through, whether it's big or small, don't bottle it up. If you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or just want to talk to someone. Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

PAPYRUS - www.papyrus-uk.org - 0870 170 4000
PAPYRUS is a voluntary UK organisation committed to the prevention of young suicide and the promotion of mental health and emotional wellbeing. They offer resources and support for those dealing with suicide, depression or emotional distress – particularly teenagers and young adults.

CHILDLINE - www.ChildLine.org.uk - 0800 11 11
ChildLine is the free helpline for children and young people in the UK. Children and young people can call  0800 1111 to talk about any problem – their counsellors are always there to help you sort it out.

KIDSCAPE -  www.kidscape.org.uk