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Crisis Safety System
Internal Documentation — Platform Safeguarding
Version 1.0 · May 2026
Overview
MindVela's Crisis Safety System automatically monitors all journal entries for language that may indicate the user is in distress, at risk of self-harm, or experiencing a mental health crisis. When such language is detected, the system responds on three levels: an in-app modal showing helplines, an admin alert email, and a warm support email to the user. The entry is always saved — the user is never blocked or alarmed.
How It Works — Step by Step
1
User writes a journal entry
Entries can be written in the Main Journal, Calm Journal, or Kidz Journal. The user writes and submits as normal.
2
Entry is saved to the database
The entry is stored immediately and without modification. Detection never prevents saving.
3
Crisis detection scans the text
The text is checked against categorised phrase lists. Adults are screened for suicidal ideation, self-harm, hopelessness, and farewell language. Children are screened using a separate, age-appropriate phrase set.
4
In-app modal appears (if triggered)
A full-screen modal immediately appears. It uses warm, non-alarming language and cannot be dismissed by clicking outside. Helpline links are tap-to-call and tap-to-text.
5
Admin alert email is sent
An email is sent silently to calm.mindvela@gmail.com with the risk level, matched phrase, journal type, user identity, and recommended actions.
6
User support email is sent (logged-in users only)
If the user has an account, a personal, warm email is sent to their inbox with all helpline numbers. Anonymous users do not receive this email.
Detection Categories
Adults
Suicidal ideation
Self-harm
Hopelessness
Farewell language
Children (Kidz Journal)
Wishing not to exist
Feeling unloved
Wanting to disappear
Expressions of hopelessness
Phrases are matched case-insensitively as whole phrases. Short or insufficient entries (under 10 characters) are ignored.
Helplines Displayed to Users
Adults
Samaritans— 116 123(Free, 24/7, confidential)
Shout— Text SHOUT to 85258(Free text support, 24/7)
NHS Crisis Line— 111 (option 2)(Urgent mental health)
PAPYRUS— 0800 068 4141(Under 35s, suicide prevention)
Children
Childline— 0800 1111(Free, just for children)
Childline Chat— childline.org.uk(Online, no phone needed)
Shout— Text SHOUT to 85258(Anytime, day or night)
Admin Alert Email Contents
Sent tocalm.mindvela@gmail.com
Risk levelHigh Risk or Standard Risk
Matched phraseThe exact phrase that triggered detection
Journal typeMain Journal / Calm Journal / Kidz Journal
User nameIncluded if logged in, anonymous if not
User emailIncluded if logged in
TimestampUTC datetime of the journal submission
GuidanceRecommended next steps for the operator
What This System Does NOT Do
- ✕Contact emergency services or authorities automatically
- ✕Block, delete, or withhold journal entries from the user
- ✕Alarm or shame the user for what they have written
- ✕Share entry content with third parties
- ✕Guarantee detection of all crisis language
Recommended Next Steps
- Update the Privacy Policy to disclose that crisis content may trigger an admin notification
- Consult a safeguarding adviser — NSPCC and Samaritans both offer guidance to digital platforms
- Consider appointing a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) as the platform scales, particularly for the Kidz section
- Review admin alert emails regularly and establish a response protocol
- Periodically review and expand the crisis phrase lists as new patterns emerge
MindVela — Internal Safeguarding Documentation · v1.0 · May 2026