A safety plan is a practical tool for helping to keep someone safe. It focuses on managing thoughts of suicide – it is not a long-term plan to deal with low mood or other mental health difficulties.
A safety plan should be created before crisis point – it is about being prepared and having the plan available when you need it. The plan should be individual to you and include what you would do, and who might support you, in a crisis.
A safety plan resource (for download and print) is now available for use across Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay. Like the ‘OK to talk about suicide’ resource, the safety plan also comes in a handy z-card format. You can complete it for yourself, or ask someone you trust to help you – they might be someone who can help you when you are struggling.
To get hard copies of the safety plan please email publichealth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk.
The Samaritans have guidance on creating a safety plan, as well as information for those who are supporting others to develop a safety plan. They also have a safety plan tool.
There is no right or wrong version of a safety plan, what is important is having a plan that works for you.