{"id":67123,"date":"2025-09-12T15:23:28","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T14:23:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=67123"},"modified":"2025-09-16T08:57:07","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T07:57:07","slug":"practical-mental-health-tool-rolled-out-to-help-people-stay-safe-during-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/practical-mental-health-tool-rolled-out-to-help-people-stay-safe-during-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Practical mental health tool rolled out to help people stay safe during crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A new resource has been launched across Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay to help people stay safe during times of emotional distress or crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developed as part of the region\u2019s suicide prevention efforts, the \u2018Safety Plan\u2019 tool is designed to empower people with practical steps and support networks before reaching crisis point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those struggling with low mood or other mental health difficulties, can complete it to help them identify their personal warning signs, coping strategies, and sources of support. It includes prompts such asking their reasons for living, how they manage their feelings and what they can make their environment safer. It can be completed alone, or with the help of someone they trust, such as a friend, family member, or support worker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The personalised, easy-to-use guide is available in a downloadable format and as a compact, foldable z-card, making it accessible and discreet for everyday use. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council\u2019s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:<\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t

\u201cWe know that suicide can affect anyone, and the impact on families, friends and communities is devastating. That\u2019s why we\u2019re committed to making sure people have access to practical tools and support before they reach crisis point.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new Safety Plan is a simple but powerful resource. It\u2019s not about long-term treatment, but about being prepared and having something tangible to hold onto in difficult moments. It helps people think about what keeps them going, what helps them cope, and who they can turn to when things feel overwhelming.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to change the narrative around suicide, from silence and stigma to openness and support. Everyone has a role to play, and every conversation matters. By working together across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, we can help people feel less alone and more connected to the help they need.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n

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\r\n\t\t\"Councillor\r\n
\r\n Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n <\/figure>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n\n

Launched as part of World Suicide Day on Wednesday 10 September 2025, the initiative supports this year\u2019s campaign call for systemic change, moving from silence and stigma to a culture of compassion and connection by promoting openness, understanding, and practical support. It was developed in partnership with Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council to create a resource anyone can use across Devon, and is based on something similar used in Cornwall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Steve Brown, Devon County Council\u2019s Director of Public Health and Communities, said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuicide can have a devastating impact on families, friends, neighbours, colleagues and whole communities. It is our ambition in Devon to create the conditions where we see fewer suicide deaths and improved mental wellbeing for people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis World Suicide Prevention Day we are proud to share a new Safety Plan resource, available in a handy z-card format and online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA safety plan is an evidence based, effective, and practical tool for helping to keep someone safe when they are experiencing thoughts of suicide or crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey help someone feel better equipped to cope, aiming to identify the things in their life that keep them safe and more mentally and emotionally resilient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can all struggle sometimes and having the right tools and support when we need them most can be lifesaving.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The Safety Plan complements the existing \u201cIt\u2019s OK to Talk About Suicide\u201d leaflet, which offers guidance on how to talk to someone who may be feeling suicidal, tips for self-care, and signposting to support services. Both resources were developed in collaboration with Devon Partnership NHS Trust, the University of Exeter, Parental Minds, and people with lived experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hard copies of both resources can be ordered by emailing publichealth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk<\/a>, and digital versions are available on our website.<\/a> Visit our Facebook page<\/a> to see Nicki from our Public Health team using one of our electric cargo bikes to hand deliver our \u2018OK to talk about suicide\u2019 leaflets and new \u2018safety plan\u2019 z-cards to various services around Exeter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public Health Devon is also encouraging residents to complete free suicide awareness training<\/a> through the Zero Suicide Alliance. Additional training opportunities, including Connect 5 and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), are also available to help individuals build confidence in supporting others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our mental health and wellbeing can be affected by many things. We can all struggle sometimes, and it is important to seek support when you need it.\u202fThere are local and national organisations that offer advice and support. Search Every Mind Matters<\/a> for free, NHS approved advice and simple tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing and visit our website for local mental health support<\/a>, including crisis support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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