You can also stand up to suicide by helping others open up about their mental health struggles.
Knowing where to get support, or how to have confident conversations about difficult emotions, anytime, are among a raft of actions in a new plan aimed at saving Kent and Medway lives.
Kent and Medway's Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy for 2026-2030 is now final and published here.
Guidance and services
Wherever we are in life, whatever the situation, anyone can lose hope – but talking to someone can help. Don’t suffer in silence. Call or text Kent’s 24-7 helpline or visit a safe haven.
- Release the pressure - offers free confidential advice from trained counsellors who can support no matter what you are going through. Call 0800 107 0160 24/7, or text our new key word STAND to 85258, to get support from trained clinicians.
- Safe Havens – a network of 9 havens around the county offer drop-in mental health support 7 days a week, including bank holidays over the festive period, with no need for a referral or appointment. Two sites - in Medway and Thanet - are open 24 hours. You can access support in-person, or virtually via phone or video call.
- Check out Kent and Medway’s Mental Wellbeing Information Hub for more information about support and services.
Free training
If you would like gain confidence talking about tough feelings and experiences, or know how to listen and signpost to professional support, Maidstone-based Mid Kent Mind offers free learning.
Funded by the Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Programme, you can find out more at www.midkentmind.org.uk/training.
“As someone who has two friends with varying degrees of mental health conditions who reach out to me when in need, I know how it feels to be uncertain about saying the right things to support, encourage or reassure them”
Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, Jamie Henderson, said: “As someone who has two friends with varying degrees of mental health conditions who reach out to me when in need, I know how it feels to be uncertain about saying the right things to support, encourage or reassure them.
“The excellent Mind training can really give you confidence that you are listening, responding and supporting in the best way.”
“...the more we talk about suicide and mental health issues, the more we remove the stigma surrounding them”
Medway Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Cllr Teresa Murray, said: “Whether you’re struggling with loneliness or low mood, or you know someone who might be, the same solution applies - please reach out and talk.
"Talking about a problem is the first step to solving it and there is so much help and support available from our amazing support teams.
"In addition, the more we talk about suicide and mental health issues, the more we remove the stigma surrounding them, which in turn opens up the pathways between those support teams and the people who need their help.“
