Why it is Not ‘Just’ Enough to Address the Self Harming Behaviour in Treatment Interventions With Those Who Self Harm
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Self harm is a complex behaviour with a range of underlying causes. It is not simply a matter of wanting to inflict pain on oneself. Instead, self harm is often used as a way to cope with intense emotions, such as anger, sadness and anxiety. For this reason, it is […]
Therapeutic Approaches for Managing Trauma and Self Harm: A UK Perspective
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Individuals who have experienced trauma and are engaging in self harm often require specialised therapeutic intervention. These methods are designed to help them overcome distressing memories and stop harmful behaviours. This essay will provide an overview of such therapeutic approaches, with specific reference to the UK’s National Institute for Health […]
Why Workforce Welfare is Paramount for Harmless
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Working in the field of self harm and suicide prevention can be emotionally demanding. Staff at Harmless, a leading provider of training and resources for the prevention of self harm and suicide, are exposed to the harsh realities of these issues on a daily basis. It is therefore essential that […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]