SUICIDE CONCERNS OR CRISIS:
HOW TO RESPOND
Suicide intervention in sport focuses on helping the person to stay safe until professional help is available. This may be a player, coach, volunteer, or member of staff who has shared thoughts of suicide or is showing signs of serious distress. Any disclosure should always be taken seriously.
A suicide crisis is often temporary, but the person involved may not feel that way at the time. Pressure from performance, injury, their personal life or ongoing stress can build up, and the person may feel there is no other way to stop their distress. Early action in a club or team setting can save lives.
Key steps for responding:
Be aware of changes in behaviour mood, or comments about suicide.
Make sure you and the person are safe. Do not use physical force in high-risk situations.
If appropriate, limit access to equipment, medication, facilities or anything that could be used to cause harm. This should be done collaboratively with the person if possible.
Stay calm, listen carefully, and avoid judgement. Show that you care and avoid making assumptions about what will happen next or what the person needs.
Contact the club welfare officer, safeguarding lead, senior staff member or emergency services if needed. Use the Hub of Hope for national, local or sports related services. Keep trying until you or they find the right help.
After the immediate situation:
- Help the person access professional support and follow club procedures.
- Put a safety plan in place where possible (for a template, refer to BS 30480).
- Make sure the person who helped also gets support, as responding to a crisis can be stressful.
Safety always comes first in any sports environment.
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