Confidentiality Policy

Confidentiality Policy

The confidential helpline offers support with a counsellor who is professionally trained.

You will speak to the same counsellor each week by phone at an agreed time.

Counselling is a safe space in which to explore your experiences and feelings, in your own time and way.

Counselling is a chance to be heard, and to talk about issues that maybe troubling you. Your counsellor will listen to you and not judge you. You will be supported if you would like make changes in your life. You will not be told what to do; your counsellor will help you to decide for yourself.

Confidentiality is fundamental to Stamp Out Suicide services. However, there are some exceptional circumstances where we may pass on information, for example:

  • If your counsellor is concerned that there is serious risk to the welfare or safety of a child or vulnerable adult.
  • If your counsellor feels you/others are at serious risk of harm, either from yourselves or others.
  • If your counsellor is giving information about acts of terrorism or bomb warnings.

If your counsellor has to break confidentiality, or consider breaking it, then you will be told that this is going to happen, verbally if possible, or in writing if suitable.

The counsellor will only do so after all attempts to discuss this you with, in the hope that you will agree to disclose the information outside Stamp Out Suicide, have failed.

The Stamp Out Suicide supervisor will be consulted before disclosure. They will be responsible for making the final decision about breaching confidentiality and ensuring that the correct action is taken.