From October 2024 to April 2025, we interviewed young people aged 15 – 21 and adult professionals from across England about their experiences with self-harm and suicide support in schools and youth organisations. We are currently analysing the data from these interviews and preparing the next stage of the 4S Study. This stage will include a Delphi study to produce principles of practice for responding to and preventing suicide and self-harm in schools and youth organisations.
Interviews with young people
We spoke to young people aged 14 to 21 who had experience of self-harm or bereavement from suicide.
We asked young people about:
- What they know about getting support from places like their school or college; clubs or teams; and youth organisations.
- Any barriers young people have experienced to getting mental health support from a professional and what might make this easier.
- Experiences receiving support if they or someone they know has hurt themselves on purpose, or if someone in their community has died by suicide.
- What young people think is important for people providing support to do.
Interviews with adult stakeholders
We also interviewed adults who work with young people about their experiences of delivering and receiving support about suicide and self-harm in young people.
We asked adults working with young people about:
- Experiences of delivering or receiving support, both to prevent suicide and self-harm and in the aftermath of a death by suicide.
- What adults working with young people feel is helpful and not helpful when delivering and receiving support.
- What areas need to be improved in existing support guidance.
- Important components of guidance for organisations and professionals working with young people.
Why are you doing this research?
We want to better understand the experiences and needs of people who provide and receive support to prevent and respond to suicide and self harm in youth organisations. We are looking for ways to improve the support that is currently available and reduce any inequalities in giving and receiving support.
How can I support the study?
You can stay up to date with the results of the 4S Study by checking this site, or by emailing Dr Abby Russell, one of the lead researchers, at A.E.Russell@exeter.ac.uk
Participant Information Sheet (PIS)
The PIS provides participants with information on why we are doing the interview and what can be expected, such as the type of questions and topics they may be asked about.
For a copy of the participant information sheet, please visit the participant information sheet page.
Any questions?
For questions about interviews with young people, please contact Rowan Streckfuss Davis: r.davis6@exeter.ac.uk
For questions about interviews with adults working with young people, please contact Emily Widnall: emily.widnall@bristol.ac.uk
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