I’m feeling suicidal
General Support
Maytree’s house is open for people when they’re feeling suicidal.
During our initial conversations, our callers sometimes begin to discover a way forward for themselves, so they no longer feel that a stay at the Maytree house is what they need at this time.
Sometimes a person will go on to arrange a stay.
Other callers after a few extra conversations will go on to have an assessment.
Maytree is committed to supporting people that 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.
Organisations providing practical help and support:
Prevention of young suicide
People who are currently using drugs and / or alcohol as a coping mechanism
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.
Organisations providing practical help and support:
We believe everyone has the potential to learn, grow and make choices
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.
Organisations providing practical help and support:
Shelter believes everyone should have a home.
People who are Living outside of the UK
Maytree is a national suicide prevention charity and is unable to support individuals outside of the UK
Organisations providing Practical help and support:
Volunteer action to prevent suicide
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.
Organisations providing practical help and support:
Mental illness
For better mental health
No matter how bad things are, we can help.
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 and we will do all we reasonably can to provide information and contact details of organisations and services providing practical help and support.
Organisations providing practical help and support:
Here to listen
Mental illness
For better mental health
No matter how bad things are, we can help.
Reducing suicide rates in young men
Prevention of young suicide
Survivors of bereavement by suicide
Northern Ireland
Face-to-face listening service for people who are feeling suicidal.
Confidential 24/7 crisis text support for times when you need immediate assistance. Text “SHOUT” to 85258 or visit
Support for women and girls, resources, and training for all.
24/7 Nationwide Helpline
Emotional support for anyone from the LGBT+ community