Childline delivering over 50 suicide counselling sessions a day

The seriousness of these contacts can be seen in the fact that suicidal thoughts and feelings accounted for 12% of all Childline counselling sessions but 70% of referrals to external authorities, such as local authorities, police and the NHS.

As we release this data, we’re reminding all young people that Childline is there for them with any issues they might be having. Our trained counsellors can support children who are feeling suicidal and need someone to talk to.

Young people reach out to Childline about suicidal thoughts and feelings for a range of reasons, including:

• feeling lost and desperate about their current situation
• the result of a mental health condition
• past experiences.

In one in five of the counselling sessions (3,804) delivered by Childline about this issue, the child was deemed to be actively suicidal, which can include vocalising their clear plan for taking their life or engaging in suicidal actions. The other 80% involved children who were seeking support outside of an immediate crisis. Some children tell Childline that suicidal thoughts can be a normal part of their life and are a regular – sometimes daily – occurrence.

We’re releasing this data as part of Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week, which aims to support the groups and systems surrounding children. We’ll be encouraging peers, families, schools and communities to create inclusive and nurturing environments, where children and young people feel they belong and can say 'This is My Place'.

To support adults and children, we’ve released advice on helping young people through these difficult emotions.

Tips for adults, parents and carers

• If the young person is in immediate danger or wants to act on their thoughts, don’t hesitate to contact emergency services (999) or take them to A&E.
• Listen without judgment and let them talk openly about how they’re feeling. Avoid jumping to conclusions, interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Being there and listening can make a huge difference. 
• For some people, talking to a young person on this topic can be quite daunting, so if you’re worried about speaking to a young person about suicidal thoughts and feelings, then suggest they reach out to Childline.
• Remind the young person that they’re not alone and that there are other people who go through similar thoughts and feelings. Let them know that support is available and that things can get better. 
• Supporting a young person with suicidal thoughts and feelings isn't a one-time conversation. Checking in regularly can remind them that they matter and that they’re not alone. They may not always want to talk and that’s okay, you can let them know that you’re there whenever they’re ready.

Advice for children and young people

• Having suicidal thoughts and feelings can be really scary. You might feel alone and like you don't know how to keep going. But even small change is positive, and there are plenty of ways to help you to start to feel better and cope with your feelings. Childline has a range of support and information.
• It’s really important to speak to someone if you feel suicidal or you’re worried you'll harm yourself, whether that’s a safe adult in your life or a service, such as Childline.
• Work with an adult to create a safety plan. This will help you to know what to do in future when you feel you can’t cope again. Sometimes this is called a mental health first aid kit. This could include people to contact (such a Childline), safe places to go, ways to stay safe and ideas for healthy coping. 
• Childline has advice and practical methods on how to cope with suicidal thoughts and feelings. For instance, repeating a positive phrase which reminds you that you can cope with things can often help when everything feels too much.
• Adults in your life and services, such as Childline, are here to support you through these difficult emotions, so remember that you’re not expected to cope with these feelings on your own.

Childline is here for every young person who is experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, and trained counsellors can be reached via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on Childline.