Safety plan
A written plan for keeping your child safe when things feel at their worst. It says what to watch for, what helps, and exactly who to call, day or night.
Applies across the UK
A safety plan is usually written with you and your child after a crisis or a disclosure of self-harm. It sets out the warning signs to watch for, what helps your child settle, who does what at home, and who to contact when things escalate, including out of hours.
Being sent home with a safety plan can feel like being turned away. It is meant to be a working document, not a substitute for care. If part of it is not workable at 2am, say so and ask for it to be changed, and ask when it will be reviewed and what support sits behind it.
If you cannot keep your child safe right now, call 999 or go to A&E. In England, Wales and Scotland you can also call NHS 111 NHS 111 A free NHS phone and online service for urgent medical help. Call 111 or use the NHS 111 website when you need help now and it is not a 999 emergency. Read the full definition of NHS 111 and choose the mental health option; in Northern Ireland, call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 instead. Your child can text SHOUT to 85258 at any time, or call Childline on 0800 1111.
Related words
Where this comes from
- Self-harm: assessment, management and preventing recurrence (NG225) , National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Checked 2026-08-15.
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