The SPHR 4S study explored how educational and youth organisations can be supported to deliver self-harm and suicide prevention and postvention. The team have produced freely available guidance and a supporting infographic to help schools. The resources were launched at an online event this month.
Self-harm and suicide among young people are major public health concerns. In 2023, 219 young people aged 10–19 years were registered to have died by suicide in England and Wales. It is estimated that 7% of UK children have attempted suicide by age 17 and that the prevalence of ever having self-harmed at 17 is 24%.
Effective self-harm and suicide prevention is not the responsibility of one adult or organisation – it requires trusted relationships, prepared organisations, and coordinated support around young people. Our new and freely available ten co-produced Principles of practice provide a flexible, evidence-informed framework to help schools, colleges, and youth organisations strengthen prevention, intervention, and responses following a death by suicide.