Suicide Prevention

Supporting someone in crisis doesn't require professional training; it simply involves being a compassionate listener. If you are concerned about someone's well-being, asking them directly about suicide is the right approach.

Despite common fears that discussing suicide may "give the person the idea," there is no evidence supporting this concern. In reality, talking openly about suicide can have the opposite effect and provide relief for many individuals. Creating a safe space for open dialogue is crucial.

Anyone who talks or writes about taking their own life should be taken seriously. Never assume that a person who has spoken about suicidal thoughts before and not acted on those thoughts won’t do so this time.

Not everyone who thinks about suicide will tell someone and there are some people who give no indication of their intention. However, there are warning signs that we can all look out for. These include, if a person is:

Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide.
Actively looking for ways to kill themselves.
Talking about feeling hopeless or of having no reason to live.
Talking about being a burden to others.
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
Suddenly very much ‘recovered’ after a period of depression.
Visiting or calling people unexpectedly to say goodbye either directly or indirectly.
Making arrangements; setting their affairs in order.
Giving things away, such as prized possession

National Support

NHS 24 Mental Health Hub

Telephone: 111 - the Mental Health Hub is open 24/7

NHS 24 Mental Health Hub NHS 24 mental health services are available to everyone in Scotland. The services available include listening, offering advice and guiding you to further help if required.

Samaritans

Telephone: 116 123 (Free phone) - 24 hours, 365 days a year

This is a confidential emotional support service for anyone experience feelings of distress or despair, or for people with worries about someone else. Further information can be found on the Samaritans website.

Breathing Space

Telephone: 0800 83 85 87 (free phone)

Weekdays: 6pm to 2am on weekdays (Monday-Thursday)
Weekends: 24 hours (6pm Friday - 6am Monday)

This is a free, confidential, phone service for anyone in Scotland who is who is experiencing low mood or depression and needs someone to talk to. You can also call Breathing Space if you need support with helping someone you're worried about. Further information can be found on the Breathing Space website

Local Support

Suicide Help App
A suicide prevention resource aimed at everyone aged 16+ in Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross.

Angus

Angus Suicide Prevention and Support Service

0800 135 7899

Free phoneline Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Provided by Penumbra and is available to all adults living in Angus who experience thoughts of suicide or who may have attempted suicide. Support is also available for family members, carers or friends of adults experiencing suicidal thoughts.

The service is designed to offer assessment of individual need, provide support and interventions that promote safety, well-being and recovery. Information, guidance and signposting regarding suicide prevention will also be provided. Email: aspss@penumbra.org.uk

Out of Hours Social Work – 01382 307964
Weekdays - Monday – Friday - 4.30 pm to 2 am
Weekends – Saturday and Sunday 8am until 2am
During the hours between 2am and 8am, the service will only be able to respond to emergency situations via an "on call" service. All non-emergency referrals between 2am and 8am should leave a message or call back after 8.30am.
Anyone in Angus and Dundee City who has an urgent problem or crisis can call the service. This may be someone experiencing problems with children, families or those receiving or requiring a community care service.

Protecting People - Adult Protection
If you, or an adult you know, are at immediate risk of harm contact the police on 999.
If you are worried about an adult, and believe they may be at risk of harm you can report it online:
Website: Adult Protection

Protecting People - Child Protection
If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm contact the police on 999.
If you are worried about a child, and think they may be a victim of neglect or abuse, you can report it online:
Website: Child Protection

The Beacon is a new Community Wellbeing Centre in Arbroath - 0800 135 7899
They offer kind and caring support to people experiencing emotional distress, their carers, families and friends. Anyone living in Angus aged 16 and over can access support from 12 noon to 12 midnight, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
Email: TheBeacon@hillcrestfutures.org.uk
Facebook: The Beacon Angus
Instagram: The Beacon Angus

Dundee

Hope Point - Dundee Community Wellbeing Centre

0800 955 0008
Text - 01382 604123
24 hours every day

Hope Point offers compassionate support to anyone in the city who is distressed or overwhelmed. If the team can help you, or someone you know, please reach out
Drop-in: 4 South Ward Road Dundee, DD1 1PN
HopePoint Website

Adult and Child Protection Concerns

Call if you are worried that you or someone you know is being harmed, is suffering from neglect or being abused. Social Work take any concerns seriously and will investigate where hams is known or suspected. It is important to tell someone.

Adult Protection - 01382 434019
Weekdays – Monday – Friday – 8:45am – 5pm

All public holidays are covered on a 24 hour basis.

Out of Hours Service 01382 307964
Weekdays – 4:30pm to 9:30am
Weekends – 4:30pm (Friday) to 9:30am (Monday)

Child Protection - 01382 307999
24 hours every day

Website: Dundee First Contact Team
Website: Dundee Protects Children

Out of Hours Social Work – 01382 307964
Weekdays - Monday – Friday - 4.30 pm to 2 am
Weekends – Saturday and Sunday 8am until 2am
During the hours between 2am and 8am, the service will only be able to respond to emergency situations via an "on call" service. All non-emergency referrals between 2am and 8am should leave a message or call back after 8.30am.
Anyone in Angus and Dundee City who has an urgent problem or crisis can call the service. This may be someone experiencing problems with children, families or those receiving or requiring a community care service.

Perth & Kinross

Adult Protection - Early Intervention and Prevention Team - 0345 30 111 20
24 hours phoneline
If you are worried about the safety or welfare of an adult, contact the Social Work Team to report your concerns. You can also talk to a home care worker, nurse, doctor or police officer to tell them your concerns.
Website: Adult Support & Protection

Child Protection – Child Protection Duty Team – 01738 476768
24 hours phoneline
If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child or young person, contact the Social Work Team to report your concerns.
Website: Child Protection

Early Intervention and Prevention Team – 0345 30 111 20
Monday - Friday 08:45 am to 5.00pm.
The same number can be used outwith these hours to connect to the Out of Hours Social Work Service.
The Early Intervention and Prevention Team is the first point of contact for people over 16 years who need access to health and social care services.
Address: Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street, Perth PH1 5GD
Email: accessteam@pkc.gov.uk
Website: Early Intervention

The Lighthouse
Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm Support Services
Monday – Sunday 10am to 10pm Freephone Crisis line 0800 121 4820
They offer crisis support to any young person aged 12 to 18 years who is at risk with their mental health. This includes those who are at risk of suicide or self-injury or are in emotional distress/crisis. They also offer family support for any parents/brother or sister/carer etc. of young people accessing the service.
Address: 18 St Pauls Square, Perth PH1 5QW
Website: Lighthouse of Perth

The Neuk - 07916292603
9am to 9pm Monday to Friday
9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday
They are a Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention Centre who provide support to anyone aged 16 years and over who are in crisis.
Address: 18 St Pauls Square, Perth PH1 5QW
Email support@theneuk.org