Harmless: Standing Together
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) The recent events across the UK have undoubtedly had a profound impact on our communities. We understand that these incidents can be deeply upsetting and distressing, especially for people of colour. At Harmless, we believe in creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone. We stand firmly against racism and […]
Harmless: A Beacon of Hope for Self Harm and Suicide Prevention
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Self harm and suicidal thoughts can feel isolating and overwhelming. But you’re not alone, and there is hope for recovery. For nearly two decades, Harmless has been a pioneer in providing specialist support to individuals struggling with these challenges. Our unique approach, grounded in evidence and lived experience, has transformed […]
Self Harm: How Harmless Can Help
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Self harm is a common problem in the UK, affecting people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. It is estimated that around 3 in 100 people in England and Wales have self harmed in the past year, meaning that approximately 1.3 million people across the country have self harmed during […]
Unravelling the Complex Journey of Suicide Bereavement
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Grappling with the loss of a loved one is always poignant, yet when that loss is a result of suicide, the severance amplifies the pain, mystery and guilt associated. Suicide bereavement is inherently complex, entwined with a gamut of emotions that can be challenging to interpret and process. Psychologist Holly […]
The Weight of Responsibility: Voting in a Time of Crisis
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) At Harmless, we dedicate ourselves to supporting the mental health of our communities. It’s a responsibility we take deeply seriously, especially in these turbulent times. The current political climate is undeniably charged. Tomorrow’s general election looms large, and the anxieties it brings are palpable – for the public, for our […]
MHFA and the Term ‘First Aider’ – Why This is Problematic
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) The term ‘first aider’ is typically associated with someone who is trained to provide initial assistance to someone who is injured or sick. However, in recent years the term has also been used to describe people who are trained to provide initial support to someone who is experiencing a mental […]
Winter Ball 2024 – Tickets Now Available!
As we move into autumn, it’s time for the Harmless team to turn its attention to our annual celebration event in November. Always a memorable occasion, the Winter Ball offers a wonderful opportunity for staff, supporters, stakeholders and friends to come together, reflect upon the year and celebrate our achievements together. As ever, the evening […]
Why Research is at the Heart of Harmless: A Commitment to Saving Lives
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) At Harmless, our mission to prevent self harm and suicide is fuelled by a deep-rooted belief in the power of knowledge. We know that understanding the complex landscape of these issues is the first step towards effective prevention and support. That’s why we’ve invested in a dedicated internal research team […]
Suicide Bereavement Quality Standards and Their Relevance
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) The Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP) Quality Standards are a set of guidelines that define the minimum standards of service that should be provided to people bereaved by suicide in the UK. The standards were developed by a working group of experts in suicide bereavement, and they were launched in […]
The Purdah Period: A Time of Restraint
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) When a General Election is called, the government enters a period often referred to as ‘purdah’ or ‘pre-election period’. This typically begins several weeks before the election date and lasts until a new government is formed. During purdah, the government observes certain restrictions on its activities to ensure fairness and […]