At Dignicare, mental health is something we care about deeply, both for the people we support and for the carers who look after them. Every so often we like to highlight organisations doing valuable work in this area, and SOS Silence of Suicide is one we think more people should know about.
If you or someone you know is struggling, SOS offers a free, confidential helpline on 0808 115 1505. If you are in immediate danger or crisis, please call 999, or call 111 for urgent advice.
Who are SOS Silence of Suicide?
SOS Silence of Suicide is a UK suicide prevention and emotional wellbeing charity. It began in 2015 as a social support group, founded by Michael Mansfield and his wife Yvette following personal losses to suicide.
They felt strongly that the elephant in the room needed to be talked about openly, to help break down the shame, stigma and silence that so often surround mental health and suicide. That idea is captured in the charity’s message: stop the silence, start the conversation.
A helpline for anyone who needs to talk
At the heart of SOS is its free, confidential helpline, run by specially trained volunteers. Callers are listened to without judgement, and the team can talk through what someone is feeling, share ways of coping and point them towards other support in their local area.
The service is open to anyone across the UK, and you don’t need to be in crisis to call. People get in touch because they feel lonely or isolated, are grieving, are affected by mental illness, or simply need to hear a friendly voice. Support is available by phone, online and in person.
Support for families and carers too
One thing we particularly value is that SOS doesn’t only support people who are struggling themselves. Friends, family members and carers who are worried about someone else can also call the helpline for guidance on how to help.
That matters in care. Family carers often carry a great deal on their own, and older people can face bereavement, ill health and isolation in later life. Knowing there’s somewhere to turn, for yourself or someone you love, can make a real difference. We’ve written more about this in our posts on mental health in home care and tackling loneliness.
Mobile wellbeing hubs
SOS also runs mobile mental wellbeing hubs, bringing emotional support directly into communities. The comfortable, confidential hubs can visit workplaces, schools and colleges, healthcare settings and care homes, where a fully trained team offers a listening ear, often over a cup of tea.
The hubs are designed to help people who might otherwise wait a long time for support, and to reach people who may never think to pick up the phone.
Free training to help start the conversation
Through its OPEN Conversations course, SOS offers free mental health training to help people recognise the signs that someone may be struggling, respond with confidence and support someone in crisis.
The need is real. An SOS survey found that 46% of 18 to 24 year olds have been personally affected by suicide or know someone who has, and nearly one in three adults across the UK report a similar experience. Training like this helps more people feel able to step in early.
Knowing the warning signs
Many of us worry about saying the wrong thing, so we say nothing at all. SOS has helpful guidance on the warning signs to look out for and what to do if you’re worried someone is suicidal. Often the most important thing is simply to ask, listen and help them find support.
How you can get involved
As a charity, SOS relies on volunteers, fundraisers and donations to keep its services running. You can find out about volunteering, fundraising and donating on the SOS website. Each September, the charity also encourages people to go purple during World Suicide Prevention Week to raise awareness.
Frequently asked questions
Is SOS Silence of Suicide free to call?
Yes. The SOS Silence of Suicide helpline on 0808 115 1505 is free and confidential.
Who can contact SOS Silence of Suicide?
Anyone in the UK can contact SOS Silence of Suicide, including friends, family and carers worried about someone else.
What if someone is in immediate danger?
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For emotional support and a listening ear, SOS Silence of Suicide and Samaritans are there to help.
Where to find help
If you need to talk, you can call SOS free on 0808 115 1505 or contact Samaritans on 116 123, day or night. You can also speak to your GP or call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option. In an emergency, always call 999.
If you’re caring for a loved one and finding things hard, our team in Ilkley is always happy to talk about how respite care or extra support at home could help. Call 01943 818274 or get in touch online.
