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Helplines Partnership
Helplines Partnership is committed to supporting organisations that provide non-face-to-face advice, support and information to improve general wellbeing.
We champion the interests of our members, promote and recognise best practice, and help them to build sustainability and deliver the best service they can for their users.
How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?
We support organisations that offer non-face-to-face advice, support and information by phone, text and online. Helplines Partnership exists to support the helplines sector and provides guidance, support and specialist training for helplines working with high-risk groups and the people affected by suicide.
Our free ‘Find a Helpline’ service is available to anyone who is looking for sources of help, advice and guidance when they or someone they know is experiencing emotional distress. It signposts people to charities and organisations with specially trained helpline teams. It allows people to search by location and topic, for example, mental health, emotional distress or bereavement.
What are your current priorities?
We are committed to promoting and recognising best practice in the helpline sector.
We do this through the Helplines Standard, the only quality standard in the helpline sector. It recognises helplines that have robust policies and governance in place, combined with a safe and confidential environment for callers. As well as effective training and supervision for staff and volunteers to make sure their wellbeing and health is being looked after.
When a person experiencing suicidal feelings contacts a helpline, it’s essential the helpline knows how to respond appropriately and within the remit of their service.
What challenges are you currently facing?
Our members tell us they are experiencing an increase in the number and complexity of calls and contacts they are receiving. As the membership body for helplines it is our role to support our members and to promote and amplify the voice of the sector.