The Acronym LGBTQIA+ … Helpful or Not? You Decide.
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Using the LGBTQIA+ acronym is an inclusive term that encompasses a broad spectrum of identities relating to sexual orientation and gender. While this terminology aids in fostering a sense of community unity and raises awareness about non-heteronormative identities, it risks oversimplifying and homogenising the vastly different experiences, struggles and stories […]
The Relationship Between Chronic Pain, Disability and Suicide
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) The relationship between chronic pain, disability and suicide is a complex one, but it is important to have a better understanding of the issue. Chronic pain is a condition that lasts for more than three months and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as injury, illness or […]
From Harm to Hope Review – Our Most Successful Conference Yet
Everyone at Harmless and The Tomorrow Project would like to thank our chair, plenary speakers, workshop leaders, delegates, stallholders, poster presenters and everyone else who contributed to our recent self harm and suicide prevention conference in Nottingham. Presented as part of Self Harm Awareness Day, From Harm to Hope 2024 was the ninth edition of […]
The Academy at Harmless: A Pillar of Excellence in Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention
In the fight against self harm and suicide, the Academy at Harmless stands as a beacon of hope and a cornerstone of our work as a Centre of Excellence. Its comprehensive training programmes empower individuals and organisations to address these complex issues with sensitivity, understanding and effectiveness. A Vital Link in the Chain of PreventionThe […]
The Academy at Harmless and the Health Education England Framework
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) The Health Education England (HEE) Framework for training and education around self harm and suicide is a set of standards that define the minimum level of training and education that healthcare professionals should receive in order to effectively support people who are self harming or at risk of suicide. The […]
LGBTQIA+ History Month: The History of Asexuality
By Laura Hughes (Suicide Crisis Service Lead) ‘Asexual’ refers to individuals who experience little to no sexual attraction towards people of any gender. Asexuality is a real and valid sexual orientation, with 1-2% of the UK population identifying as asexual, despite not being listed as a sexual orientation within UK law. Many people have not […]
Rising Pressures on Self Harm and Suicide Prevention Services Across the UK
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) IntroductionSelf harm and suicide are major public health concerns in the UK. In 2021, there were 6,380 suicides registered in England and Wales, and an estimated 100,000 people were admitted to hospital as a result of self harm. Self harm is particularly common among young people, with one in eight […]
National Self Harm Awareness Day 2024
WHAT IS NATIONAL SELF HARM AWARENESS DAY? Each year around the world, 1st March is Self Harm Awareness Day (sometimes also known as Self Injury Awareness Day). In the UK, it is an opportunity for everyone across the country to speak with one voice to raise awareness around what is often a very misunderstood topic. […]
Reframing Mental Health Support for BAME Communities in the UK
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) The UK mental health system, despite some improvements over the years, has been repeatedly critiqued for a one-size-fits-all approach that seemingly marginalises racial and ethnic minority groups, particularly the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals. Known Barriers: 1. Institutional RacismA 2018 independent review of the Mental Health Act revealed […]
Help and Support for Those Bereaved by Suicide in the UK
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Suicide bereavement is the loss of a loved one to suicide. It is a devastating experience that can have a profound impact on those left behind. In the UK, there is a growing recognition of the need to provide support for those bereaved by suicide and a number of initiatives […]