In 2023, we invited secondary schools and colleges across the UK to take part in an online survey looking at current policies and provisions for supporting young people with self-harm and suicide. The survey took about 25 minutes to complete and asked questions about:

  • What written policies (i.e., formal documents which must be followed by all staff) the school or college currently has in place around self-harm and suicide.
  • What support is provided and procedures are followed for young people around self-harm and suicide.
  • How the school or college talks with students about self-harm and suicide.
  • What areas are considered barriers to supporting students within the school or college.
  • What additional support the school or college would like around self-harm and suicide.

We had 115 responses to the survey. The results are currently being analysed and written up for publication.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk