How HOPE underpins the SafeSide Framework

Hope is a powerful word. The feeling it points to underpins the entire SafeSide Framework, and the essence of hope runs through the map of best practices. 

In Connect, we focus on collaborating around safety and uncovering the reasons the person with suicide concerns has for keeping safe. You could try saying: 

“We are here to help you be safe so that you can get back to work/be reunited with your family/get back to the activities you love.”

In Assess, ask about the person’s strengths and protective factors. These simple questions can plant seeds that will blossom into hopefulness. If the person struggles to identify their strengths, you could try saying: 

“What is important for me to know about you?” 

Hopelessness can be contagious. Paying attention to strengths helps ensure the person’s care team and loved ones look beyond the diagnosis to focus on the unique individual they are working with. 

In Respond, we can build and support hope by actively listening to the person’s needs, and then ensuring they receive the appropriate level of treatment. You could try saying: 

“There are many different treatment options out there. Are there any specific ones you would be interested in exploring?”

Part of Extend is understanding that most of the work happens when someone is not in your care. It is a shared vision of the person’s recovery through the help of caring contacts, warm handovers, and a widening of the circle of care. You could try saying: 

“Each one of us is invested in you feeling better and living your best life, please let us know what you need to achieve that.” 

When we work with people who have suicide concerns, it’s natural to want to rush to safety. Remembering and holding space for the essence of the person can help them rediscover hope and can help us stay hopeful for them.