Understanding Grief Through the Lens of Ethnicity as a South Asian Queer Woman
By Simran Dhillon (Clinical Support Worker) Grief is an emotion and experience that is universal, yet also individual to all. Intersectionality as a framework highlights how multiple social identities such as gender, ethnicity, age and class can create unique experiences of oppression and discrimination. In the context of grief, ethnicity and intersectionality play a crucial […]
Rewiring with Compassion: How Positive Neuroplasticity Helps Heal Self Harm and Trauma
By Dylan Thomas (Therapist) As a therapist trained in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), who works daily with clients navigating trauma and self harm, I often witness how deep shame, fear, and threat-based patterns shape people’s inner worlds. But healing is possible – not just emotionally, but neurologically. Drawing on the science of positive neuroplasticity, and the […]
Emotional Understanding
By Fiona Kinsey (Clinical Support Worker) Since ancient times, poets have used metaphors to evoke emotions in the reader. This enables the expression of abstract ideas by relating them to familiar or everyday objects. Layers of meaning are captured in words that can be open to interpretation depending on the readers life experience. With their […]
Celebration Event Sponsorship Opportunities
Each year, Harmless hosts its Celebration Event – the organisation’s flagship annual fundraiser. This special evening brings together our incredible community of staff, supporters, stakeholders and friends to reflect on the past year, celebrate our achievements, and raise vital funds for our life-saving work. The event takes place at Nottingham’s Village Hotel and includes a […]
Wearing My Scars on My Wedding Day
By Chloe Webster-Harris (Researcher) For a long time, I’ve actually been dreading the part of wedding planning that so many people dream about: going dress shopping. Not because I don’t want the dress or the excitement that comes with it, but because I’ve been afraid of being judged. Not for my style or size, but […]
New Research Paper: Investigating the Lived Experiences and Suicide Behaviours of Neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ People
By Ruairi Blake (Researcher) Harmless is delighted to announce the publication of the Executive Summary from its latest research project. Research at Harmless primarily focuses on two overarching goals. The first is to understand how the services we provide can be improved to better meet our clients’ needs. The second — which was foundational to […]
Announcing The Theme for Self Harm Awareness Day 2026
Self Harm Awareness Day 2026 – Sunday 1st MarchSelf Harm Awareness Day (SHAD) is observed annually on 1st March to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote help-seeking around self harm. Across the UK and around the world, it’s an opportunity for individuals, communities and organisations to unite in support of those affected. Everyone is encouraged […]
Understanding PTSD: A Call for Compassion
By Katie Freeman (Clinical Lead) Friday 27th June marks Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day — a vital opportunity to shed light on a condition that affects millions, yet is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed or shrouded in silence. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a deeply distressing event. Its impact is […]
Breaking the Silence: Why We Need to Talk About Menopause and Mental Health
By Vicky Lott (Training & Education Officer) My story – what brought me to where I am todayBefore my own menopause journey, I feared it, believing it meant becoming old and useless, a narrative that’s perpetuated by a media and society that values youth over wisdom. At 52, I endured unrecognised perimenopausal symptoms like insomnia, […]
Empowering Change: Inclusive Learning for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month
By Helen Birch (Training & Education Officer) June is Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, and this year’s theme is Heroes: Who Inspires You? This important event celebrates inspirational individuals from Romany Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller, New Traveller, Showmen, and Liveaboard Boater communities. It also serves as a vital opportunity for education, awareness-raising, and challenging […]