Untitled design (21)

I have suicidal thoughts – how can SARSAS support me?

If you are feeling suicidal, you might be scared by these feelings and worried about what will happen if you tell anyone. Remember, there are ways to get help.

Suicide is still a bit taboo in the UK. In fact, up until 1961, it was so taboo it was a crime! If someone attempted suicide they could be prosecuted and imprisoned if they survived. So, it’s no wonder we sometimes struggle to have conversations about it.  

If you are feeling suicidal, know that you aren’t alone. We know that suicidal thoughts and acts are something that lots of the people we support have experienced and research has shown that among child and teenage victims of sexual abuse there is a 42% increased chance of suicidal thoughts.

What happens if I tell you that I am having suicidal thoughts?

If you are using our helpline or one of our other services and tell us you are feeling suicidal, we won’t panic, we won’t judge you, and we won’t turn you away. Instead, we will try to figure out the level of risk there is to you. We’ll be checking if these are just thoughts or if you have a plan. Either way, we will support you.  

We might look at a safety plan to help you: 

  • spot what triggers suicidal thoughts  
  • think about ways of coping that work for you 
  • identify loved ones and professionals you can reach out to  
  • plan some actions to reduce suicidal feelings.

If we are worried that you are going to complete a suicidal act and we have information about who you are and where you live, we might have to share that with other services to help keep you safe. This is because we have a legal duty of care to the people we support and because we really do care and want you to be safe.  

Where else can I go for support?

There are national organisations that offer support to people with thoughts of suicide.

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – open 24/7 on 0800 689 5652 

Hopeline UK – A confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.

Open 9am-midnight, 7 days a week on 0800 068 4141

Samaritans – open 24/7 on 116 123

If you feel that you or somebody else is at immediate risk, contact the emergency services on 999.

The latest from our news and blogs

SARC

What is a sexual assault referral centre (SARC)?

A SARC can offer free, confidential medical, practical and emotional support to people who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted at any point in their lives. They’re usually provided by the NHS, but will always have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.

UoB_Stall with Safelink

We’re Here: a campaign for survivors of sexual assault in Bristol

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been proud to be part of something really special. The “We’re Here” campaign launched across Bristol to let survivors of sexual assault know: you’re not alone, and there is support.

Screenshot 2025-03-07 121744

Be the change: how to be an Active Bystander

We can all be bystanders. Every day events unfold around us. At some point, we will register someone in danger. When this happens, we can decide to do or say something (and become an active bystander), or to let it go (and remain a passive bystander).