Why do you have PPIE groups? 

PPIE groups in the 4S Study are made up of people with personal experience of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and/or have lost someone to suicide. PPIE groups meet regularly with researchers to share their thoughts and opinions and advise on the study as it progresses. Consulting people who have experienced self-harm and suicide is important to help us make sure we approach, interpret, and report our research findings clearly, sensitively, and with empathy.

What groups are you working with? 

We are working with the following groups of people:

Young People’s Group: A group of young people aged 16-18 years who have experienced self-harm or suicidal thoughts, or who have lost someone to suicide. 

Parent/Carer Group: A group of parents, relatives and friends who have supported a young person who has self-harmed, experienced suicidal thoughts, or lost someone to suicide. 

‘Professional’ Group: A group of adults who work in schools, youth organisations, clinical settings, or deliver self-harm or suicide prevention/ intervention programs or postvention support to young people. Examples of these professionals include teachers, psychiatrists, nurses, and charity workers.

How have you recruited PPIE groups?

We recruited participants in a number of ways, including social media advertisements, professional contacts and charity groups.

For further information about our PPIE groups, please contact Liam Spencer liam.spencer1@newcastle.ac.uk or Emily Widnall emily.widnall@bristol.ac.uk

Photo 1 by Monstera; Photo 2 by Kindel Media; Photo 3 by SHVETS production