When to make one
Any time your child has expressed suicidal thoughts, even fleetingly. Doing it shows them you take it seriously and gives them a roadmap when their thinking narrows.
The 6 steps (do this together, on paper)
- Warning signs — thoughts, feelings, situations that show the crisis is starting ("can''t sleep, scrolling, feeling trapped")
- Internal coping — things they can do alone (music, shower, walk, breathing 4-7-8, cold water on face)
- People & places that distract — friends to text, places to go (coffee shop, library)
- People to ask for help — name 2–3 adults, with numbers
- Professionals & crisis lines — · crisis line · Papyrus 0800 068 4141 · 999 / A&E
- Make the environment safer — agree what they''ll hand over (meds, blades, ropes). You hold them. No interrogation, no punishment.
After the plan
- Keep it on their phone home screen + a paper copy in their room
- Review it every 2 weeks
- Tell school nurse / SENCo (with child''s consent where possible)
- Book for referral if not already in services
You are not alone
- Papyrus HOPELINE247 0800 068 4141 (calls, text, email; for young people and parents)
- Samaritans 116 123 (you too — parenting through this is exhausting)
- 111 option 2 — mental health crisis