SAFETEL for Suicidal Thoughts: What It Is, How It Works, and What to Expect
SAFETEL is a psychological support intervention for people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. It is designed to help you create a personalised safety plan that you can use if you are feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or at risk. SAFETEL is delivered remotely, either by telephone or video call, which means you can take part in a way that feels accessible and manageable for you.
SAFETEL is person-centred, which means the support is shaped around your own experiences, needs, and priorities. You will work with a trained SAFETEL practitioner to build a safety plan step by step. A safety plan is a practical and personal guide that helps you recognise when you may be struggling, identify what may trigger or worsen your distress, and think about what helps you feel safer and more supported.
Sessions usually last around one hour and take place weekly. You can have up to 12 SAFETEL sessions in total. In the first session, the practitioner will introduce SAFETEL and begin working with you to create your safety plan. This may take more than one meeting, depending on what feels right for you. Once your safety plan has been developed, your remaining sessions can be used to review how the plan is working, talk through your progress, and make any changes needed so that it continues to feel useful and relevant.
During SAFETEL sessions, the practitioner may also support you to develop evidence-based psychological and practical strategies. These may include cognitive strategies to help manage difficult thoughts, emotional coping techniques such as breathing or mindfulness exercises, and activity planning to help create structure and support wellbeing. They may also offer practical support, including signposting to other services or charities where appropriate.
SAFETEL Roleplay Videos
Below are three roleplay videos showing how a SAFETEL safety plan is developed. These videos are designed to help you understand what the early stages of SAFETEL can look like and what you can expect from the process.