If someone’s life is at risk, call 999 now.
If you can’t keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999, or use the 24/7 NHS urgent mental health helplines:
- North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Crisis Care Centre: 0800 032 8728 or text 07312 263117
- South Staffordshire urgent mental health helpline: 0808 196 3002 or text 07507 330605
You can also contact NHS 111 (press option 2) for urgent mental health care that isn’t life-threatening.
You are not alone, and help is available. Around ten lives are lost to suicide each month across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. By learning to spot the signs, start a conversation, and connect someone to help, we can all play a part in preventing suicide.
How you can help right now
Notice when something feels off
Trust your instincts. Changes in mood, withdrawing from others, or talking about feeling hopeless can be warning signs. If you’re worried about someone, don’t ignore it—let them know you care and are there to listen.
Ask, kindly and directly
It’s OK to use clear words. You might say:
- "Are you thinking about suicide?”
- “Are you thinking about harming yourself?”
Being direct will not put the idea into someone’s head, but it can be a relief for them to say how they really feel.
Listen more than you speak
Give them time. Try not to rush in with fixes. Avoid judgement (“You shouldn’t feel like that”) or conversation-stoppers (“I know how you feel”). Use open questions like “What’s been happening?” or “How did that feel?” to keep them talking.
Help them get support
Encourage contact with a GP or the NHS urgent helplines above if they are at immediate risk.
For ongoing help, people aged 16 and over can self-refer to Talking Therapies :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust for free, confidential support with anxiety, low mood and related difficulties.
If the person is not in immediate danger but needs to talk now, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 (free and confidential).
PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 supports people under 35 and those worried about them (0800 068 4141 / text 07860 039 967 / pat@papyrus-uk.org).
Don’t leave someone at immediate risk on their own. Stay with them if you can until emergency help is in place.
Local and national support
- Mental health support: helplines, local Minds, peer groups and bereavement support.
- Mental health: self‑help tips and urgent help box with 24/7 NHS helplines.
Build your skills (free)
Suicide prevention and awareness training bookings | Public Health Free suicide prevention and awareness training is available across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent for individuals, businesses, and community organisations.
Zero Suicide Alliance online training (about 20–30 minutes): learn how to ask, listen and help someone stay safe, with practical scenarios. You’ll get a certificate when you finish.
After the conversation
Supporting someone through a difficult time can be hard so it’s important to take a moment for your own wellbeing too. If you’d find it helpful to talk, reach out to someone you trust or contact Samaritans (116 123) anytime.
Why we talk about suicide
Talking openly about suicide reduces stigma, helps people reach out sooner, and can save lives. When we understand the signs and feel confident starting difficult conversations, we’re better able to support those who may be struggling and connect them to the help they need.