Emergency help

Need help now?

• If you’re worried that someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life: call 999

Or if it safe to do so

• Go to the nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department
• For non-emergencies call 111 and select the mental health option.
• You can also find 111 online 111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-mental-health-symptoms
• Request an urgent GP appointment
• Or contact your mental health team
• Many localities also have on-call crisis mental health teams
• Barnet Mental health and wellbeing services | Barnet Council
• Hertfordshire hpft.nhs.uk/get-help/alternative-crisis-services-and-support-information/
• Manchester gmmh.nhs.uk/247-helpline/
• Leeds Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – Urgent Help

Or one of these help lines

• Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 (24 hours a day)
• Shout (support by text) by texting the word Jami to 85258
• Download the Stay Alive App stayalive.prevent-suicide.org.uk/

Jewish helplines:-

• The Helpline – (24 hours a day)
  thehelpline.org.uk
  Phone: 0330 127 3333
  See the website for text option
• J-Teen (young people)
  jteen.co.uk
  Phone: 0800 915 4646
  WhatsApp/Text 07860 058 823
  Sunday-Thursday 6pm-midnight
  Saturday (in winter) 9pm – midnight
• J-Teen Student Support
  jteen.co.uk/jteen-student-supportline

Supporting someone

It is a myth that if a person is thinking about suicide there is nothing we can do. In fact, these crisis points are usually time limited. With support people can think about their problems more clearly.

It is also a myth that asking about suicide ‘plants’ the idea. All the research and practice in this area points to the importance of asking someone.

“We can learn to spot the warning signs so that we can help identify and support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. Openly talking about suicide thoughts and feelings can save a person’s life.” (Mental Health First Aid, Your Manual, MHFA England, 2022)

How do I respond if someone is expressing suicidal thoughts?

• Start a conversation, this is the best way to find out if the person is having thoughts of suicide
• Listen without being judgemental
• Follow the signposting information above as needed
• Look after yourself. Supporting someone can be emotionally draining. Find ways of reducing the immediate stress and find someone to talk to about your experience
• To find out how to join a Mental Health First Aid course contact education@jamiuk.org