Maytree is committed to supporting people who are feeling suicidal, and we aim to offer as many people who feel they would benefit from a stay the opportunity to do so. However, due to a person’s medical needs or specific life circumstances it is not always possible to do so.
Helpful guidance and signposting
Our helpful guidance identifies criteria that can prevent Maytree from offering a stay. We do all we reasonably can to provide individuals to whom we cannot offer a stay information and contact details of services and organisations that may be able to support them.
Children or young people under 18
Maytree is only able to help adults over the age of 18.
People who are currently misusing illicit drugs or alcohol
Maytree has a strict no drugs, no alcohol policy to ensure that:
- Guests can fully engage with the befriending process
- People using drugs and alcohol do not risk their health through sudden abstinence
- All guests can feel safe at all times while staying at the house.
People who are currently street homeless
In Maytree's experience individuals who have to return to living on the streets following a stay can experience increased suicidal thoughts and feelings.
People experiencing psychotic episodes or severe acute mental health issues
These are individuals who are currently experiencing a psychotic episode or are diagnosed with a severe acute mental health issue that requires specialised medical treatment that Maytree, as a non-medical service, cannot provide.
Other reasons
Anyone who for any other reason appears to us unable to engage sufficiently in the talking befriending process to benefit from a stay.
If it is not possible to offer someone a stay after a series of email or phone conversations, then the reasons for this will be clearly explained.
