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 […]
Christmas Poetry
Ask Twice by Caroline HarroeIn a world of swift “I’m fines” hastily spoken,Lies a truth untold, a sign that we’re broken.We nod and smile, a masquerade so hollow,But do you see the pain that we artfully swallow? So I ask you once, “Are you doing okay?”Your lips curve a smile; you say, “I’m fine” today.Yet […]
Heading into the New Year: Considerations for Suicide Prevention in the UK
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) As we bid farewell to 2023 and embrace the new year, suicide prevention services in the UK face a crucial time. With the holiday season often exacerbating feelings of loneliness, isolation and despair, the transition into January can be particularly challenging for those struggling with mental health difficulties. Addressing the […]
Navigating Grief During Special Occasions: The Impact of Losing a Loved One to Suicide
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Grief is a universal experience and yet it can manifest in unique ways for each individual. For those who have lost a loved one to suicide, the pain can be amplified, especially during special occasions that were once shared with the person they loved. Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations […]
Challenging Common Misconceptions About Suicides Over Christmas
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) While there is a common perception of an increase in suicides during the Christmas holiday season in the UK, data from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) and real-time surveillance data suggest that this is not the case. Here’s a closer look at the data: ONS DataThe ONS data […]