Suicide and self harm
Thoughts of self-harm and suicide are common, particularly among young people. Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people, and schools play a vital role in helping to prevent young suicide. We aim to support pupils.
Shout
Shout 85258 is the UK’s free, confidential, 24/7 mental health text support service — you can text the word SHOUT to 85258 at any time to reach a trained volunteer.
What Shout 85258 Offers:
- Free & confidential support for anyone in the UK. Messages do not appear on your phone bill.
- Available 24/7, staffed by trained volunteers overseen by clinical supervisors.
- Crisis support for issues including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self‑harm, loneliness, bullying, and more.
- Safety planning and signposting to further resources when needed.
- Emergency escalation if someone is at imminent risk.
SORTS Toolkit resource and training
SuppOrtive Response to Self-Harm which is a toolkit aimed to help school and college staff provide a supportive response to students who self-harm. The SORTS website is designed to support a whole-school approach to self-harm prevention and intervention, and as such includes an entry-level, 30-minute e-learning module targeted towards all school staff as well as information, videos and downloadable resources.
Zero Suicide Alliance Training
Zero Suicide Alliance is a charity that provides FREE online short courses that teach you the skills and confidence to have a potentially life-saving conversation with someone you’re worried about.
School Resources
Template Self Harm and Suicide Policy (ODT, 13 KB)
Having difficult conversations – resources and videos Samaritans
Training courses
Suicide and self-harm competence framework
Virtual course Self-harm and suicide
Evidence / reading
Gov UK suicide prevention guidance
Self-harm and suicide in care leavers
NHS England suicide and self-harm framework
HSE self-harm and young people