Page 10 - Guidance for Schools, Colleges, and Youth Services :: Portus

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Asking the question What if they say yes?
The following steps can help you find out if a child or If the child or young person says that they have had,
young person is thinking about suicide. or are currently experiencing, suicidal thoughts the
most important thing to do is stay calm.
• Ask directly. Use the word suicide. Practice asking
first if this helps. It may give you more confidence. Acknowledge how difficult it must be for them to talk
about these thoughts to you and tell them you are
• Stay calm. This is important as the child or young
person may be looking at how you react to decide there to listen.
how much they should tell you. The reasons why people experience thoughts of
suicide are complex and differ from person to person.
• Be clear and direct. Look them in the eye and ask,
‘are you thinking about suicide?’ You may never fully understand them and that is OK.
Let the child or young person know that there is
• If you are unsure of how to start the conversation, support available to help them and that your priority
contact the Papyrus helpline HOPELINEUK on
0800 068 4141 is to keep them safe.
Questions you could ask include:
• Papyrus’ specially trained advisers can talk you
through what to say and how to support the child
or young person during this conversation.
• Talking with a child or young person about How are things
suicide can be very difficult. If you need support for you right
following your conversation Papyrus, advisers now?
are on hand to de-brief with you and help you to Can you
process what has been said and where to go next. say what’s
bothering you?

What might

VISIT PAPYRUS help you?

What would
you like to
happen next?

Portus - A Safe Space - Guidance on Self-harm and Suicide Prevention for Schools, Colleges and Youth Services.
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