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"A safety plan written with someone is a very different thing to a safety plan written for them. The first one actually gets used." Audrey Bevan, CEO, CALM Suicide Programs |
A suicide safety plan is a short, personalised, written plan that helps a person get through moments of intense distress or suicidal thoughts. It lists their own warning signs, coping strategies, people and places that help, and who to contact for support. It works best when the person creates it themselves, with support, at a time when they feel calmer.
A safety plan is a practical tool, not a clinical treatment. Think of it as a personal map for the hardest moments: when thinking clearly is difficult, the plan does some of the thinking in advance.
It is not the same as a "no-suicide contract", where a person is asked to promise not to act on their thoughts. Contracts like these are generally not recommended in contemporary practice. A safety plan builds options and connection rather than asking for a promise.
Most safety plans in Australia follow the structure of the Safety Planning Intervention, which is also the basis of the Beyond Now app. A typical plan includes:
Safety planning is one of the better-evidenced tools in suicide prevention. A 2021 meta-analysis found safety planning-type interventions were associated with a 43% reduction in the risk of suicidal behaviour compared with control conditions.
The same review found no significant effect on suicidal thoughts. That is an important detail. A safety plan helps a person stay safer through a crisis; it does not replace the ongoing support, connection and treatment that address the reasons behind their distress.
Yes, within your role and your organisation's policy. In clinical services, a clinician may own the formal plan. In community settings, a case worker, youth worker or refuge worker is often the person best placed to encourage, support and revisit it.
Your role is collaborative:
If someone is in immediate danger, a safety plan is not the right tool in that moment. Stay with them if it is safe to do so and call 000.
Safety planning depends on the conversation that comes before it. Staff who can ask directly about suicide, listen without rushing to fix, and stay steady in an uncomfortable conversation are far better placed to help someone build a plan that works. CALM's accredited programs are built around that practical, human-centred conversation. [CONFIRM: whether CALM programs include a safety planning component, and which programs.]
What is a suicide safety plan?
A short, personalised, written plan that helps a person stay safer during suicidal thoughts or intense distress. It lists their warning signs, coping strategies, supportive people and places, and professional and crisis contacts.
Is a safety plan the same as a no-suicide contract?
No. A no-suicide contract asks a person to promise not to act on suicidal thoughts and is generally not recommended. A safety plan builds practical options and connections for getting through a crisis.
Can community workers help someone create a safety plan?
Yes. Within their role and organisational policy, non-clinical workers can encourage, support and help revisit a safety plan. The plan should be created with the person, in their own words.
Is there an app for suicide safety planning in Australia?
Yes. Beyond Now is a free safety planning app and website developed by Beyond Blue and Monash University, based on the Safety Planning Intervention.
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