Suicide help

If you are struggling or worried about someone else, free and confidential support is available 24/7. There is always someone to talk to:

• call NHS Connection, Dorset's mental health helpline, on 0800 652 0190
• text SHOUT to 85258
• call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 

If your life or someone else's is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.

If you or someone else is approaching crisis point

Get support with:

• face to face drop-ins at The Retreats in Bournemouth and Dorchester 
• virtual and face to face drop-ins at Community Front Rooms in Bridport, Shaftesbury and Weymouth
• adult group or 121 support sessions with Dorset Mind to develop positive mental wellbeing, increased self-esteem and self-confidence 

Download the Stay Alive app to keep local support information, guidance to help stay safe and your own safety and wellness plans in one convenient place, or visit the Stay Alive website.

If you need less urgent support 

Visit our mental health pages, and do tell your GP practice how you are feeling. Watch this video for expert tips on how to start the conversation with your GP practice. 

If you want to, refer yourself for talking therapies visit the Steps2Wellbeing website. 

Bereavement by suicide support

Please do not struggle alone. Bereavement by suicide is different from any other kind of bereavement, bringing an unfamiliar intensity and range of emotions. Visit Dorset HealthCare to find bereavement support here in Dorset and from national organisations.

How to talk about suicide

Advice on how to start a conversation about your or someone else’s suicidal thoughts and suggested language to use. 

How to open up to friends or family and talk to your GP with advice from Mind.

Start a conversation with someone you don’t know with tips from Samaritans.

Suicide prevention training

Training is available for anyone who would like to gain knowledge and skills about supporting people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Zero Suicide Alliance

Zero Suicide Alliance offers free online training courses to help people recognise suicide warning signs, have supportive conversations, and signpost to further help. Courses are tailored for different audiences, take as little as 30 minutes to complete, and are available to anyone aged 16 and over.

MindEd

MindEd is an NHS England approved training programme offering a free online training course in suicide prevention, Staying Safe from Suicide. Once registered, people can choose from 4 courses to complete, depending on their role or area of work.

Further training

If you're a health professional and would like to know more about future offers of suicide prevention training across Dorset, please contact the public health team: