Suicide and Self-Harm Service
Samaritans are developing a
suicide and self-harm response service for secondary school
communities to utilise in the aftermath of an attempted/completed
suicide or response to self-harm. The service will enable school
staff to work effectively and constructively with the school
community during what can be a very difficult time.
The service is aiming to:
- Prepare school communities for an incident of
self harm / suicide
- Equip young people, school
staff and parents with knowledge and skills to respond effectively
to a suicide or incident of self harm and other issues relating to
loss
- Equip young people, school
staff and parents with skills to support their peers during times
of crisis and prevent isolation
- Support the school
community through a crisis and help them to move into
recovery.
- Utilise positive coping
strategies to reduce the risk of young people and the school
community of developing serious mental health problems
Suicide and Self-Harm in Schools
Samaritans is regularly
contacted by schools during the aftermath of an attempted or
completed suicide or responding to self-harm. Such events can act
as triggers for other young people within the school who may be
experiencing mental health problems or feeling very isolated.
Schools can play a pivotal
role in helping young people to develop positive coping strategies
and strengthen emotional resilience.
If schools feel empowered to
address the issue of suicide and self-harm within the school
community, it is possible to encourage people to explore their
feelings and fears in order to better understand what has happened
and what effect it has had on their community. With adequate
support, this time can present an opportunity to engage the school
community in efforts to rebuild and promote social inclusion.
The Service Development Timeline
- Phase 1 – Research and Consultation (Jan 08 – July 08) –
complete
- Phase 2 – Development and Testing (Sept 08 – April 09) –
current
- Phase 3 – Consolidation of materials (May 09 – Oct 09)
- Phase 4 - Restricted roll out of service (Oct 09 – Oct
2010)
- Final launch anticipated for Oct 2010
Further Information
For further information please contact:
Sam Oakley, Development Officer, s.oakley@samaritans.org