Page 8 - Guidance for Children’s Services Early Help and Children’s Social Care :: Portus

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Having the Conversation What if they say yes?
about Suicide If the child or young person says that they have had,

or are currently experiencing, suicidal thoughts the
Talking to a child or young person about suicidal
thoughts is not easy but having the conversation is most important thing to do is Stay calm.
important. Acknowledge how difficult it must be for them to talk
about these thoughts to you and tell them you are
Asking the question there to listen.
The following steps can help you find out if a child or The reasons why people experience thoughts of
young person is thinking about suicide: suicide are complex and differ from person to person.
You may never fully understand them and that is OK.
• Stay calm. This is important as the child or young
person may be looking at how you react to decide Let the child or young person know that there is
how much they should tell you. support available to help them and that your priority
is to keep them safe.
• Be Clear and direct. Use the word suicide.
Practice asking first if this helps. It may give you Questions you could ask include:
more confidence. Look them in the eye and ask,
‘are you thinking about suicide?’
• If you are unsure of how to start the conversation, How are things
contact the Papyrus helpline HOPELINEUK on for you right
0800 068 4141 now?
• Papyrus’ specially trained advisers can talk you Can you
through what to say and how to support the child say what’s
or young person during this conversation. bothering you?
• Talking with a child or young person about suicide
can be very difficult. If you need support following
your conversation, Papyrus advisers are on hand
to de-brief with you and help you to process what What might
has been said and where to go next. help you?

What would
you like to
happen next?
VISIT PAPYRUS

Portus - A Safe Space - Guidance for Children’s Services Early Help and Children’s Social Care
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