Call 999 or go to the emergency department now if:
- someone's life is at risk, for example they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose
- you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe
Get advice 24/7 by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option (option 2). for your own or someone else’s mental health. This be used when it's not an emergency or you're just not sure what to do. Use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111 and select option 2.
A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services. Ask for an urgent GP appointment if you need help urgently.
If you want to talk to someone who can help:
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) 5pm - midnight 0800 585858 or use the webchat facility on their website
Childline (for anyone under 19) free to call 0800 1111
Papyrus (for people under 35) 0800 068 4141 (Mon-Fri 10am-10pm Sat-Sun 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–5pm or text 07786 209 697
Samaritans free to call from landline or mobile 24/7 365 days a year 116 123
SHOUT - a new 24/7 text service for anyone who is in a crisis you can text 85258
How to help someone who is feeling suicidal
If you are concerned that someone is feeling suicidal, they have already made an attempt at suicide, or they have told you that they are intending to end their life and they are in immediate danger then you should call 999.
If someone has said that they have thoughts of suicide and that they don't know what they want to do, then you should support them to call their GP, and tell the receptionist the situation.
The Staying Safe website has instant online access to help you talk to someone, and the best ways to help them. It's important that the person you are talking to feels listened to, and that someone cares about them.
If you would like to take part in free training to help you talk to people about suicide you can find information on training and dates on the Healthy Cornwall website, and click on suicide first aid.
Helping to prevent suicide
You would not be alone in thinking that suicide is a complicated, and at times distressing topic to learn about. However we also live in a caring county where people want to help and support their family, friends, work colleagues and even strangers. If you are interested in learning more about helping prevent suicide and the community of people who are working to reduce suicides in the county take a look at the Towards Zero Suicide page.
Have you or someone else been affected by suicide?
Being bereaved by suicide can have an impact on loved ones left behind.
You can find out more about the specialist support available to help you, whether the person who died was a friend, family member, or someone you are connected with through work. Find out more on our Affected by Suicide page.