In 2024/25 the NSPCC-run service, Childline, delivered 18,981 counselling sessions where a child’s main concern related to suicide.
The seriousness of these contacts is reflected in the fact that suicidal thoughts and feelings accounted for 12% of all Childline counselling sessions but 70% of the service’s referrals to external authorities, such as local authorities, police and the NHS.
Tips for adults, parents and carers:
- If the young person is in immediate danger?or wants to act on their thoughts,?don’t?hesitate and contact emergency services?(999)?or take them to A&E.
- Listen without judgment and let the young person?talk openly about how they are feeling. Avoid?jumping to conclusions,?interrupting?or offering immediate solutions. Being there?and?listening?can make?a huge difference.
- For some people, talking to a young person on this topic can be quite daunting, if you are worried about speaking to a young person about suicidal thoughts and feelings, then suggest they reach out to Childline.
- Remind the young person that they are not alone and that there are other people who go through similar thoughts and feelings.?Let them know that?support is available and that things can get better.
- Supporting a young person with suicidal thoughts and feelings is not a one-time conversation.?Checking in regularly can remind them that they matter and that they are not alone. They may not always want to talk and?that’s?ok, you can let them know that you are there whenever they are ready.
Advice for children and young people:
- Suicidal thoughts and feelings can be?really scary. You might feel alone?and like?you?don’t?know how to keep going.?But?even small change is positive, there are plenty of ways to help you to start to feel better and cope with your feelings. The Childline website has a range of support and information.
- It’s really important to speak to someone if you feel suicidal or you’re worried you’ll harm yourself, whether that’s a safe adult in your life or a service, such as Childline.
- Work with an adult to create a safety plan. This will help you to know what to do in future when you feel you?can’t?cope again.?Sometimes this is called a mental health first aid kit.?This could include?people to contact?(such a Childline),?safe places to go,?ways to stay safe?and?ideas?for?healthy coping?mechanisms.
- The Childline website has advice and practical methods on how to cope with suicidal thoughts and feelings. For instance, repeating a positive phrase which reminds you that you can cope with things can often help when everything feels too much.
- Adults in your life and services, such as Childline, are here to support you through these difficult emotions, remember that you are not expected to cope with these feelings on your own.
Childline is here for every young person who is experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, trained counsellors can be reached via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.