Menopause, Mental Health and Me
By Vicky Lott (Harmless Trainer) IntroductionThe ONS reports that the age specific suicide rate for women is in those aged 45–49. The majority of women will be perimenopausal by age 45 with the average age of menopause being 51. Research carried out by the women’s health organisation Health & Her found that nine in ten […]
Ace In The UK Report – A Reflection
By Laura Hughes (Harmless – Suicide Crisis Service Lead) Last week was Ace Week, an important awareness week for the ‘A’ in the LGBTQIA+ acronym: Asexuality. Asexuality refers to those experiencing little to no sexual attraction towards people of any gender. Between 1-2% of the UK’s population are asexual, but this is still a highly […]
The Power of Administrative Work: Enhancing Impact in Mental Health Advocacy
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) IntroductionAt Harmless, we dedicate significant time and resources to the administrative work associated with our sector. This article will explore why we prioritise activities such as data analysis, research collaborations, responsible media engagement and comprehensive education. We firmly believe that these efforts play a crucial role in maximising our impact […]
The Peril of Being Bounced Around: Mental Health and the Broken System
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) IntroductionNavigating the mental health system can be a daunting and disheartening experience for many people in the UK. Countless individuals seeking support find themselves caught in a never-ending cycle of being bounced around between services and passed from pillar to post. This systemic issue not only highlights the flaws in […]
The Critical Importance of Safety Planning for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention – a Harmless Perspective
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) IntroductionWhen it comes to mental health and suicide prevention, safety planning plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and providing them with the necessary tools to navigate their own struggles. Understanding the significance of this process, organisations like ours have developed purpose-built safety planning sites, such as ‘Your Safety Comes […]
Sustaining Mental Health Services: Investing in Workforce Wellbeing
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) IntroductionAs the cost of living rises and contractual increments fail to match the demands of the mental health sector, the salaries of those on the frontline of mental health services are diminishing. This downward trend poses a significant threat to the sector’s skill set and overall wellbeing. In this article, […]
Compassionate Care with Integrity and Humility: Empowering Service Users at Harmless
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) IntroductionAt Harmless, our mission is to provide compassionate care with integrity and humility to individuals experiencing emotional distress and self harm behaviours. We firmly believe that these values are the cornerstones of effective and empowering support. In this article, we will delve into why compassionate care, delivered with integrity and […]
Tailored Care: Why Different Models of Support are Vital for Suicide-Facing Cohorts
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) IntroductionAt Harmless, we recognise that individuals facing suicide risk, self harm and suicide bereavement require different models of care to address their unique needs. While our services share the same underlying principles, the approaches and interventions vary to meet the specific requirements of each cohort. In this article, we will […]
Understanding the Nuances: Differentiating Suicide Ideation, Intent and Motivation for Effective Intervention
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) IntroductionWhen assessing for the risk of suicide, it is crucial to establish a clear distinction between suicide ideation and intent, as well as recognise the differences in motivation behind interpersonal and intrapersonal drivers for suicide. This essay explores the significance of understanding these nuances and how it influences intervention strategies […]
Reflecting on ‘Heathers’: A Thought Provoking Experience
By Caroline Harroe (CEO, Harmless CIC) Tonight, I had the unique opportunity to attend the highly acclaimed musical ‘Heathers’ with my daughter. As the CEO of Harmless CIC, the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Self Harm and Suicide Prevention, my journey through the show was layered with a multitude of emotions — layers that delve […]