Safety at home for Children and Adolescents

• Ensure window grills and balcony grills are locked. If cannot be locked, consider using a padlock or a bicycle chain to secure them.
• Put away all items that can be used for self-harm or suicide - belts, ropes, blades, scissors, knives, bleach and all medicine. Consider using a lockable drawer to secure these items.
• Consider searching their room and possessions for any items that may cause harm to them.
• If medication is prescribed, ensure that medication is dispensed by a carer and not left in the possession of the person.
• Consider not leaving the him/ her alone at home and accompany the person for all outings. 

Things to do at home

• Consider drawing up a timetable and filling it with productive (eg. doing some simple light home chores, school work) and pleasurable things (eg. watching a comedy, playing a board game). 
• If it is safe to do so, consider going out for walk with the person and some light exercise.
• Set aside time to talk about their concerns and  worries.
• Encourage the person to communicate their thoughts on self-harm and suicide. Find an alternative method of communication if talking about it directly is difficult (text message, email, writing things down).
• Consider massage, prayer, meditation and deep-breathing as a way of managing their distress and anxiety. 

• Get help from other family members and friends to take turns caring for the person.
• Take time to talk and get support from someone you  trust and respect.
• Find time to take a break and do something you enjoy once in a while.
• Contact The Caregivers’ Association of the Mentally Ill (CAMI) Helpline (24hrs) for telephone advice and support: +65 6782 9371 

• During working hours (Mon to Fri, 8.30am to 5.30pm)
  - Call the Department of Psychological Medicine, designated case manager: +65 6394 2205.  
  
  
• After working hours, consider the following options
  - Call Institute of Mental Health (IMH) Crises Hotline for advice (24hrs): +65 6389 2222.
  - Bring your loved one to Emergency Room, IMH, if you are unable to manage your loved one safely at home. 
  - If the person has harmed himself/ herself physically, bring to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department for medical attention. If you are really concerned about the person and you cannot take them to a place of safety, contact the police (call 999) for assistance.
  
  
• Below are some useful contacts to help transport your loved one to IMH in the event you are unable to manage this 
  - CIVIC Private Ambulance: +65 6333 3000 
  -  The Caregivers’ Association of the Mentally Ill (CAMI) Help line (24hrs): +65 6782 9371

Ref: F26