Breaking up

Prepare to break up

Your mental health

How to make it safer when breaking up

Decide what you want to say

Keep it simple and clear: “This relationship isn’t healthy for me. I need to end it.”

Choose a safe place

Meet somewhere public (like a café or park)
Bring a friend if you can
If it feels safer, you can end things over text or call
Let someone know where you’re going and check in after.

Plan ahead

Figure out how you’ll get home
Share your location with someone you trust
Check in with a friend or adult afterward.

Breaking up can be scary, especially if you’re worried how the other person will react. A safety plan isn’t overreacting - it’s being prepared.

How to make a safety plan

If you’re worried things might get worse, it’s smart to have a plan:

Keep your phone on you and charged
Know who you can call or message for help
Save emergency numbers on your phone
Think about where you can go if you need to leave
Pack a small bag with essentials (just in case).

After the break-up

If your ex tries to contact you, threaten you, or guilt-trip you, that’s not your fault:

Tell someone what’s happening
You can always reach out for support (friends, adults, or even the police if it’s serious).

Remember, you can email us askbe@safer.gg or you can call 01481 721999. You can also talk to a trusted adult who could then make contact.

Looking after your mental health after a break-up

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Stop checking their socials, mute, unfollow, mute or unfollow if you need space.
Decide how much (or how little) contact is okay right now.

2. Feel All Your Feelings

Cry, scream, shout. It's normal to be emotional and it's okay to feel it.
Slow down, maybe skip a few hangouts to give yourself space. Treat it like recovering from a physical injury: take it easy.
Grab a journal and write about the relationship: the good, the bad, the why it ended.
Getting it all out helps you heal and see things clearly.

3. Lean on Your Squad

Text friends, talk to family, or even your pet, share what’s real.
If your friends don’t get it, explain what you need, or try a support group.

4. Stick to Your Routine

Sleep, eat, move, your body needs balance now more than ever.

5. Rebuild You

Try something you always wanted to: an epic hobby, a skill, a course.
Reconnect with friends you drifted from and meet new people.

Self-love isn’t selfish, growing yourself back takes time.

More learning

Call us anytime

01481 721999 (24/7)

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 999

Useful links

Safer.gg main website

BeSafer is part of the charity Safer, which specialises in supporting and empowering victims of domestic abuse. The service is run by our dedicated team, including our Child and Young Person Violence Advisors (CYPVAs), who work directly with children and young people affected by domestic abuse, whether in their own homes or in their intimate relationships.

Alongside them, our Domestic and Sexual Abuse Education Workers deliver age-appropriate sessions in schools from Year 6 to Year 13, helping young people understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Together, they provide a caring, all-round approach to supporting and educating young people.

Privacy Policy