Self Harm Awareness Day 2026: Download Your Media Pack
Self Harm Awareness Day 2026 • Sunday 1st MarchSelf Harm Awareness Day (SHAD) is marked annually on 1st March to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote help-seeking around self harm. In the UK and globally, it’s an opportunity for individuals, communities and organisations to speak with one voice in support of those affected. Everyone is […]
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 […]
Dads Need Care Too: Reflections Following Father’s Day
By Tom Coyle (Clinical Support Worker) For many of us, our dads have had big influence on our upbringing and played a huge part in who we are today. In society, we often view a ‘good dad’ as one who provides unconditional love, support, guidance and nurturing for their children and last weekend’s Father’s Day […]
Creating a New Training Course on Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Self Harm and Suicide Prevention
By Leanne Moulton (Academy Lead) Harmless is proud to announce the development of a new training course focused on self harm and suicide prevention within the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. A group that often faces significant health inequalities and is underrepresented in Self Harm and Suicide Prevention strategies. This initiative was part of a […]
Carers Week 2025: Standing with Those Who Support Others
By Katie Freeman (Clinical Lead) This week is Carers Week, and the theme is ‘Caring About Equality’, focusing on the inequalities faced by unpaid carers. Unpaid carers experience significant challenges that deeply affect their wellbeing. In 2023, Carers UK published findings on carers’ mental health, highlighting a widespread lack of support from statutory services. Many […]
Loneliness: A Growing Concern in Suicide Prevention
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) As a therapist working in suicide prevention, I’ve witnessed a worrying trend: the rise of loneliness. At Harmless, our ultimate goal is to become unnecessary, but the reality is that our services are needed now more than ever. Referrals have skyrocketed by 215% since 2020, and with suicide rates in […]
Learnings and Reflections From Our Contracted Training
Our Training & Education Officer Helen Birch offers a look at the impact of Harmless’ bereavement training contract with Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System (HWEICS). What prompted the Hertfordshire and West Essex Suicide bereavement contract?Hertfordshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2020–2025 aimed to create a county where no one feels suicide is their only option. […]
The Hidden Cost of Periods: Unpacking Period Poverty in the UK on Menstrual Hygiene Day
By Erin Kershaw (Clinical Support Worker) Periods are a natural and unavoidable part of life for roughly half the population. Yet, for millions in the UK, the monthly reality is tainted by an often-invisible struggle: period poverty. This isn’t just about lacking access to sanitary products; it’s a multi-faceted issue with far-reaching consequences for health, […]