Create A Safety Plan

A safety plan is a tool to assist in identifying options and evaluating them, and can limit the harm brought upon you. This is especially useful if you live in an unsafe environment. 

There is no right or wrong way to develop a safety plan but you have to come up with it yourself so it’s easy to remember. Think about the following:

• Who can you call that will help you if you’re in danger
• Where’s a safe place you can stay or get to
• Things you might need in an emergency- medication you take/your phone charger etc
• What to do if you’re caring for someone else or if they need support
• What is the safest and quickest way out of your house
• To tell the police if you’ve left home
• Remember- In an emergency call 999

Try and keep your phone charged as much as possible, and always have some money with you in case you need it to help you. Keep your emergency items somewhere handy and close to your exit, so they’re easy to grab if you need them. 

A safety plan can also be a list of things you want to try and do if you’re feeling like you’re a risk to yourself. It could be a list of coping techniques that work for you, and a list of people you will reach out to for support. This could be friends, family members, teachers in school or helplines you can contact for professional help. It’s all about keeping you as safe as possible.

Write down your plan, keep it in your phone, discuss it with someone you trust.

If you want more information on how to keep yourself safe if you’re home isn’t a safe space, please check out this blog post. And remember, nothing lasts forever and you are worthy of happiness.