Crisis Protocol: When Someone Confides in You & Important Contacts

If a student or young person has a method and a plan, they are actively suicidal and must not be left alone.

1. Acknowledge and Validate: Tell them you care. Explain that thoughts of suicide are common but do not have to be acted on. Listen with empathy.

2. Establish Location: If they contact you remotely, find out exactly where they are and if anyone is with them.

3. Remove Access: Safely remove access to any means of suicide.

4. Avoid Guilt: Do not use threats or tell them they will "ruin other people's lives." This can exacerbate their distress.

5. Call 111: If the risk is immediate, call Emergency Services. Tell the operator: "I have a young person here who is suicidal." Provide the location, your contact details, and relevant info (e.g., if they have been drinking).