Help shape research to support young people who self-harm or who are at risk of self-harming

Get involved in important research to support young people who self-harm or who are at risk of self-harming. 

Self-harm may affect as many as one in four young people. Schools are often the first place they turn for support. We want to explore whether safety planning, a simple but powerful tool that helps people cope in a crisis, could be integrated into schools to better support young people who self-harm or who are at risk of self-harming. 

What experience do I need to help?

The project is looking for young people (aged 18–25) who:

• Have personal experience of self-harm, either now or in the past.
• Are willing to share their views on research about how schools might be able to use safety planning.

What will I be asked to do?

• Join short online meetings to share your views on how schools could support young people who self-harm.
• Give feedback on project ideas, checking the language used.
• Help plan how to involve other young people safely.

How long will I be needed for?

• Up to three online meetings (about an hour each) between now and March 2026.
• If the project receives funding involvement would continue from September 2026 for around two years, with monthly meetings lasting one to two hours (online or face-to-face). 

Occasionally there may be some pre-reading (around one hour)

What are some of the benefits for me?

• Have your voice heard, your lived experience will directly shape how schools support young people who self-harm.
• Build skills and confidence , through contributing to meetings, giving feedback, and seeing how research works in practice.
• Support and training –the project lead will offer guidance throughout the project. The team is committed to a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that people feel safe, respected, and supported.
• Experience for your Curriculum Vitae (CV).

 What support is offered?

• Offer of payment for time of £25.00 per hour (people can request less if they are in receipt of state benefits).
• You will be supported by a member of the study team who will contact you before the meeting so you can ask any questions about the project.

Have a look at our guidelines for more information about this. 

If you are receiving any benefits, you can access confidential advice from the Benefits Advice Service for Involvement.  

Please complete the form below