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Clear boundaries
- Be clear about your role and what that means for them
- Be transparent about what level of confidentiality you can offer
- Explain when and how you can be contacted
- Manage expectations about how long they can expect the supportive relationship to last
Active listening
- Pay attention to them
- Show you listen
- Provide feedback
- Defer judgment
- Respond appropriately
Self-care
- Help the person understand what self-care choices will support their mental wellbeing
- Help the person identify the things they already do that is helpful
- Explore what the person may be able to actively do over the next few hours and days that may assist
Social support
- Does the person understand the benefits of social connection?
- Do they have friends or family around them for support?
- What kind of social support do they consider is practical and manageable for them over the next few hours and days?
Signposting to professional mental health services
- Know what services are available
- Know how they are accessed
