Often, when we think of bravery, we think of people running into potentially dangerous situations to save people or animals. We think of people standing up for what they believe in – even when others don’t agree. We think of our favourite fictional characters – like Harry Potter, The Avengers, Captain Marvel or Eleven from Stranger Things. What if bravery is also what we do to help with our own safety and wellbeing? Every day on HOPELINEUK we take calls from courageous young people who have found their own brave. They’ve found their brave to get help with suicidal thoughts.
If you are thinking about suicide, or you are worried that someone you care about is, we appreciate that it can feel really scary to reach out for support. At HOPELINEUK we have trained advisers who are here to support you. Our advisers take calls every day from people who were scared at the beginning of the call. During the call, the initial fears about calling disappear as they are supported by our advisers and feelings of hope start to emerge.
It might feel easier to call us if you know what to expect. What you need to know about calls to HOPELINEUK:
- It is free to call us – you do not need credit, or minutes.
- It is anonymous – we cannot see your name, number or any information about you. We only know the information that you choose to share with us. Our number will not show up on your phone bill.
- It is confidential – most of the time, what callers tell us stays between us. This means we will not tell anybody what you have discussed. The only time we would share information is under our intervention policy. You can read this here.
- Safe – we will never judge you. We will listen to your story and help you to find support.
- Practical – we will advise you on where you can get support, help you to disable any plans for suicide you have and work together on distraction techniques and coping mechanisms that will help you to keep safe from suicide.
- Supportive – our advisers are trained to support you to keep safe from your thoughts of suicide in a non-judgemental, caring manner.
- We are open Monday-Friday 9.00am-10pm. On weekends and bank holidays we are open 2pm-10pm.
Before calling us it might be a good idea to
- Go to a quiet place where you feel comfortable.
- Go to a place where you feel safe to talk to us
- Check your phone has enough charge on it
- Check our opening times
- Check you have enough time to call us. We do not time our calls – we can take as long as you need – you deserve to dedicate enough time to explore your suicidal thoughts.
- Write down what you want to say if you think this will help you.
- Read our confidentiality policy, so you know when we would pass information on.
Hopefully after reading this, your brave has been increasing and it seems possible to pick up the phone to give HOPELINEUK a call. Your bravery will be an amazing strength that will help you to keep safe from suicide. Our number is 0800 068 4141. Be brave and make that first step to reach out for the support that you deserve.
If giving us a call still seems like too big a step right now, perhaps you could email or text us? All the same things apply to our text and email service as they do a phone call. The only difference is that they are not an immediate response service. This means it might take a short while for our advisers to get back to you. You will still be supported to keep safe and manage your thoughts of suicide.
To email – pat@papyrus-uk.org
To text – 07860039967
Be brave today.
Be your kind of brave.
