By having a safety plan, individuals are thinking of specific strategies that work for them, which they can use to keep themselves safe. These strategies can help people feel more in control when everything feels out of control. Think of a safety plan as a ‘mental health first-aid kit’. It includes personalised coping strategies to help individuals through a crisis, and enable them to keep safe for now, as well as details on how to contact the people most suitable to help them.
In addition to the training video there are a range of resources available on the Council website, including a how-to guide on the creation and use of safety plans and a number of formats that can be accessed to create a safety plan such as:
- A downloadable template (to save and/or print out or share)
- An interactive template (to complete online and save, print out or share)
- A Z Card wallet size version
- An Easy Read version for people with Learning Disabilities
- The Stay Alive app, which includes a safety plan (available free on the App Store and Google Play Store)
We have also produced guides that can be used to help your own or someone else’s mental health and wellbeing. These are available on the Cornwall Council website. If you are feeling vulnerable or at risk or aware of someone that is, please contact the 24/7 mental health crisis support line 0800 038 5300 or access via CFT webpage which has a direct link and provides more information on support services.