- Carry out regular emotional check-ins to see how your child is doing, how he/she is feeling, is there anything you can help with?
- Be extra vigilant about where your child is and what they might be doing. Discourage them from spending too much time alone.
- If you are worried that your child may harm themselves it’s important to keep the environment as safe as possible. Keep all medication, including over the counter medication in a safe place. You may need to lock these away along with any sharp objects.
- A&E crisis advice – If you are struggling to keep your child safe, if your child has harmed themselves or you think they may harm themselves, you need to take them to A&E.
Papyrus is a service your child can use for support about not wanting to be here anymore, however, parents can also access this if they are understandably worried. The website link is here https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ The helpline number is – HOPELINE UK 0800 068 4141.
Other young people’s helplines and services that you can make your child aware of are:
- SHOUT: https://giveusashout.org/ Text the word SHOUT to 85258
- Samaritans: Call 116 123
- Childline Call 0800 1111
- Kooth Call 020 3984 9337 or log on to https://www.kooth.com/
- NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
- Mind – 0300 123 3393
- Age UK – 0800 055 6112 Text SHOUT to 85285 for 24/7 support
