A safety plan is a resource that you can use when you’re experiencing suicidal feelings, or might be at risk of taking your own life. It’s been shown in studies to keep people safer in these situations. 

Not every safety plan looks the same, but ours includes lists of actions you can take when you’re feeling vulnerable, reminders of things that matter to you, and places and people that keep you safe. When you’re feeling suicidal you might find it hard to think clearly, so having a step-by-step guide can be both comforting and help you focus.

Some important notes about safety plans:

• It’s important to make the plan before you’re in crisis - This is how a safety plan works. Create it when you’re not in , drawing on your previous experience of feeling suicidal and what did and did not work. Having it on hand when an episode of suicidal thoughts begins means you can intervene early.
• Get someone else to help you write it - If someone you trust is aware of your situation, you can get them to help you write the plan. They might think up great ideas and add a valuable outsider’s perspective. A second set of eyes is always helpful. They can also keep a copy so they have it on hand when you’re experiencing a crisis.
• Your plan should be unique to you - Everyone’s mental health and coping strategies are different. Your plan should reflect what works for you, including things that make you feel safe, comforting activities and thoughts, and actions which you think you will realistically be able to take.
• Safety plans aren’t long-term - They’re designed to help you cope when you’re at risk, but there are different strategies for looking after long-term mental health, for instance therapy, counselling, and self-care.

Below you can download the LGBT HERO Safety Plan. 

It’s a good idea to create multiple copies. For instance, keep a copy on your phone, print another out, give a copy to your friend, and store one online. That way you’ll always have access to it.