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You can be your creative self.

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Welcome to Arts Award. Arts Awards are recognised qualifications that inspire young people to grow their arts and leadership talents.

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Major mental disorders traditionally thought to be distinct share certain genetic glitches, according to a new study. The finding may point to better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.

Scientists have long recognized that many psychiatric disorders tend to run in families, suggesting potential genetic roots. Such disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia. Symptoms can overlap and so distinguishing among these 5 major psychiatric syndromes can be difficult. Their shared symptoms suggest they may also share similarities at the biological level. In fact, recent studies have turned up limited evidence of shared genetic risk factors, such as for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, autism and schizophrenia, and depression and bipolar disorder.

To take a broader look, an international research consortium conducted an analysis that incorporated data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the 5 major disorders. This type of study involves scanning through thousands of genetic markers in search of tiny variations that appear more often in people who have a particular condition than in those who don't. The research received primary funding from NIH's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), along with other NIH components.

As reported online in the Lancet on February 28, 2013, the scientists screened for evidence of illness-associated genetic variation among over 33,000 patients. All had been diagnosed with at least 1 of the 5 disorders. A comparison group included about 28,000 people who had no major psychiatric diagnosis.

The analysis revealed variations significantly associated with all 5 disorders. These included variations in 2 genes that code for the cellular machinery that helps regulate the flow of calcium into neurons. Variation in one of these, called CACNA1C, had previously been linked to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depression. CACNA1C is known to affect brain circuitry involved in emotion, thinking, attention and memory - functions that can be disrupted in mental illnesses. Variation in another calcium channel gene, called CACNB2, was also linked to the 5 disorders.

In addition, the researchers discovered illness-linked variation for all 5 disorders in certain regions of chromosomes 3 and 10. Each of these sites spans several genes, and causal factors haven't yet been pinpointed. The suspect region along chromosome 3 had the strongest links to the disorders. This region also harbors certain variations previously linked to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

"Although statistically significant, each of these genetic associations individually can account for only a small amount of risk for mental illness," says study co-author Dr. Jordan Smoller of Massachusetts General Hospital. Because of this, the variations couldn't yet be used to predict or diagnose specific conditions. But these results may help researchers move closer to making more accurate diagnoses. They may also help lead to a better understanding of the factors that cause these major mental disorders.

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Common Genetic Factors Found in 5 Mental Disorders

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Major mental disorders traditionally thought to be distinct share certain genetic glitches, according to a new study. The finding may point to better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions. Scientists have long recognized that many psychiatric disorders tend to run in families, suggesting potential genetic roots.

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Mental Health Foundation: Statistics on Anxiety

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Mental Health Foundation: Statistics on Anxiety

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References

1 Fineberg, N., Haddad, P., Carpenter, L., Gannon, B., Sharpe, R., Young, A., Joyce, E., Rowe, J., Wellsted, D., Nutt, D. and Sahakian, B. (2013). The size, burden and cost of brain disorders in the UK. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 27(9), pp.761-770.

2 Martin-Merino, E., Ruigomez, A., Wallander, M., Johansson, S. and GarciaRodriguez, L. (2009). Prevalence, incidence, morbidity and treatment patterns in a cohort of patients diagnosed with anxiety in UK primary care. Family Practice, 27(1), pp.9-16.

3 McManus S, Bebbington P, Jenkins R, Brugha T. (eds.) (2016) Mental health and wellbeing in England: Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2014. Leeds: NHS Digital. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB21748/apms-2014-full-rpt.pdf [Accessed 5 October 2016]

4 Mental Health Foundation (n.d). Evidence & Research. Available at http://bemindful.co.uk/evidence-research/ [Accessed August 2015].

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References 1 Fineberg, N., Haddad, P., Carpenter, L., Gannon, B., Sharpe, R., Young, A., Joyce, E., Rowe, J., Wellsted, D., Nutt, D. and Sahakian, B. (2013). The size, burden and cost of brain disorders in the UK. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 27(9), pp.761-770. 2 Martin-Merino, E., Ruigomez, A., Wallander, M., Johansson, S.

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Talk to Us

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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Teacher Well-being resources & Guidance

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Our annual Teacher Wellbeing Index provides an insight into the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff working in the UK.

Our annual survey of over 3,082 education staff found that in 2022 record numbers of UK teachers and education staff have considered leaving the sector in the past academic year due to pressures on their mental health and wellbeing.

Over half of staff have actively sought to change or leave their current jobs, citing workload as the main factor

Other key findings include:

Whilst these data make difficult reading for everyone involved in trying to make the system the best it can be, the simple fact is that we are failing. Our children and young people deserve so much more from us. It is time to invest in the workforce and to remove the well documented drivers of significant stress in the system.
Sinéad Mc Brearty, CEO Education Support

Our conclusions

Stress, depression and anxiety have all remained at an unsustainably high level.

Real term funding cuts bite. For the first time, 'lack of resources' has become one of the top five reasons that staff, especially in primary settings, consider leaving the profession.

There are long-term health implications for the education workforce.

Schools support staff wellbeing has deteriorated and their levels of stress and depression have increased. This demonstrates a saturation of stress at all levels of the school workforce.

Download the report below.

Teacher Wellbeing Index 2022

Teacher Wellbeing Index 2017-2021

Employee Assistance Programme

Our service provides emotional and practical support that helps you and your colleagues thrive at work.

Employee Assistance Programme

Are you a headteacher, deputy or assistant headteacher? Would you like to access services focussed on improving your mental health and wellbeing?

School leaders' support

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The Teacher Wellbeing Index details the findings of Education Support's annual survey into the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff working in the UK

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5 Ways to Well-Being.  Looking at the Evidence

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5 Ways to Well-Being.  Looking at the Evidence

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So many useful tools to support your teams.

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A selection of free mental health resources for your workplace, school or community, including toolkits, guidance, posters, and more.

To check on your own and others' mental health, take a look at our My Whole Self MOT.

For mental health tips and resources for those working remotely, check out our Remote Working resources.

If you want to find out more about how to manage stress, head to the Address Your Stress toolkit.

And if you're looking to get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week, check out our campaign page.

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Free downloadable mental health resources for your workplace, school or community. Interactive toolkits, strategic guidance, gifs, posters and more.

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Struggling with an eating disorder? Caring for someone who is? Beat is here to support you.

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Help and advice on how to cope with loneliness and improve your mental health!

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1. Try to do some enjoyable things that will keep you busy

One way of trying to manage loneliness is by keeping busy and doing things we enjoy. This might be a hobby such as a bit of gardening, going to the gym or even sorting out your kitchen cupboards, jigsaws, puzzles or knitting. Small activities can give you energy and positive feelings. It's important these things are fun or fulfilling.

Be careful about working too hard or watching TV shows simply as a distraction. These will only delay or suppress your feelings and could actually make your mental health worse.

2. Try to do things that stimulate your mind

Activities that occupy your mind can help with loneliness. This can include the benefits of taking courses or listening to podcasts on topics from comedy to fitness. This can be stimulating and something as simple as listening to the familiar voice of someone you like can help you feel less lonely.

3. Think about doing a physical activity

Physical exercise can help with loneliness. It can be as simple as having a walk in the park when you're feeling a bit overwhelmed. Alternatively, you could listen to music and do a bit of dancing around your living room. (Be aware of your neighbours though!)

4. Try to engage with the people you meet in your daily life.

It can be hard to talk to others when you're feeling lonely. However, trying to connect with the people you meet as you go about your day can be helpful. Even catching someone's eye and saying "hi" as you walk along can make you feel better. Or it could be about saying hello to the postwomen or postman or going to the shops and talking to the person at the checkout. By sharing a polite greeting - you might find you give someone else a positive lift too.

5. Find people that 'get you'

It can be hard to connect with others when you're feeling lonely. But there are great benefits in finding people who have been through similar experiences to you. Interacting with others that 'get' you can give you a sense of belonging that may be missing. People who have been there have found connections in local groups or social media.

6. Spend time with pets

If you are lucky enough to have a pet, it can be a great way of managing loneliness. Not only do animals provide us with unconditional love and support, but they also help to give structure to our days and even encourage us to get out and connect with others. Interaction with pets is also shown to help reduce stress levels.

7. Try to use social media in a positive way

Social media can help your mental health. But it can also affect it negatively. The key is to use it in a positive way. Finding digital communities, you share interests and passions with can help. Most importantly be aware of how you feel when you use social media and focus on topics and activities that work best for you.

8. Talking therapies can help

Talking through your feelings with a counsellor or therapist can help you cope with your feelings of loneliness. Talking therapy can be hard to get - but if you can find a professional, it can really be of benefit. It'll provide you with a safe space to work through your feelings and thoughts without judgement. Check out your local resources by visiting the NHS website.

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One way of trying to manage loneliness is by keeping busy and doing things we enjoy. This might be a hobby such as a bit of gardening, going to the gym or even sorting out your kitchen cupboards, jigsaws, puzzles or knitting. Small activities can give you energy and positive feelings.

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Check out our Newsletter for MHA 2022 #Loneliness created by our New Kickstart worker Aliyah Josephs.

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Analysis from the Centre for Mental Health has shown that 1.5 million children and young people will need mental health support as a direct result of the pandemic over the next three to five years.

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Analysis from the Centre for Mental Health has shown that 1.5 million children and young people will need mental health support as a direct result of the pandemic over the next three to five years.

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Self-care is so important

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Useful Toolkit Scale

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Free support for young people up to 19 years old

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On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

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Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

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Mental Health & Employer Investment: Refreshing the Case

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Mental Health & Employer Investment: Refreshing the Case

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Read our report to find out more about:

The cost of poor mental health at work

The biggest impacts on mental health in the workplace

Why employers should invest in mental health interventions

How employers can take action

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Mental health and employers: Refreshing the case for investment

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Read our report to find out more about: The cost of poor mental health at work The biggest impacts on mental health in the workplace Why employers should invest in mental health interventions How employers can take action

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A 4 Step process

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Motivational Interviewing Strategies & Skills

The Motivational Interviewing (MI) style, strategies and skills have been used to address a wide range of challenges, including those very tough conversations in which there seems little hope of making progress in helping people. They can also be used to enhance your ability to listen with skill in any situation, and to help people, young and old, to adapt and to develop their potential. MI is not a technique done to or on people, or even worse, a method for getting people to do what they otherwise would not wish to do. It is used with them, on their behalf. Learning MI is a challenging and enjoyable journey, and it changes you.

Among the skills you develop is an ability to de-clutter your mind and be curious about the person you are speaking to. Listening in this way can become an art form, in which you notice the language of change people use, and encourage them to face uncertainty, and to make decisions and plans that express their values and dreams for a more balanced life. This is a culturally adaptable approach and can be used in very brief conversations. It is linked to and founded in the well-known style of a guide, and is being learned in over 50 languages around the world. There is a large international network of trainers.

See the Motivational Interviewing website for trainers who volunteer their time to improve training and practice.

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Learn more about Motivational Interviewing, a particular way of conducting conversations about change to strengthen clients' motivation and commitment.

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Genetic Factors linked to Mental Health Disorders

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Genetic Factors linked to Mental Health Disorders

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Major mental disorders traditionally thought to be distinct share certain genetic glitches, according to a new study. The finding may point to better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.

Scientists have long recognized that many psychiatric disorders tend to run in families, suggesting potential genetic roots. Such disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia. Symptoms can overlap and so distinguishing among these 5 major psychiatric syndromes can be difficult. Their shared symptoms suggest they may also share similarities at the biological level. In fact, recent studies have turned up limited evidence of shared genetic risk factors, such as for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, autism and schizophrenia, and depression and bipolar disorder.

To take a broader look, an international research consortium conducted an analysis that incorporated data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the 5 major disorders. This type of study involves scanning through thousands of genetic markers in search of tiny variations that appear more often in people who have a particular condition than in those who don't. The research received primary funding from NIH's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), along with other NIH components.

As reported online in the Lancet on February 28, 2013, the scientists screened for evidence of illness-associated genetic variation among over 33,000 patients. All had been diagnosed with at least 1 of the 5 disorders. A comparison group included about 28,000 people who had no major psychiatric diagnosis.

The analysis revealed variations significantly associated with all 5 disorders. These included variations in 2 genes that code for the cellular machinery that helps regulate the flow of calcium into neurons. Variation in one of these, called CACNA1C, had previously been linked to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depression. CACNA1C is known to affect brain circuitry involved in emotion, thinking, attention and memory - functions that can be disrupted in mental illnesses. Variation in another calcium channel gene, called CACNB2, was also linked to the 5 disorders.

In addition, the researchers discovered illness-linked variation for all 5 disorders in certain regions of chromosomes 3 and 10. Each of these sites spans several genes, and causal factors haven't yet been pinpointed. The suspect region along chromosome 3 had the strongest links to the disorders. This region also harbors certain variations previously linked to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

"Although statistically significant, each of these genetic associations individually can account for only a small amount of risk for mental illness," says study co-author Dr. Jordan Smoller of Massachusetts General Hospital. Because of this, the variations couldn't yet be used to predict or diagnose specific conditions. But these results may help researchers move closer to making more accurate diagnoses. They may also help lead to a better understanding of the factors that cause these major mental disorders.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Common Genetic Factors Found in 5 Mental Disorders

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Major mental disorders traditionally thought to be distinct share certain genetic glitches, according to a new study. The finding may point to better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions. Scientists have long recognized that many psychiatric disorders tend to run in families, suggesting potential genetic roots.

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CAMHS - facts and figures

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Between five and 10 years old, the split between girls and boys is just about even. But by 17, a quarter of young women have a mental health disorder, more than twice the number of young men. Half of them have self-harmed or attempted to take their own life.

Over half of all mental ill health disorders start before the age of 14, with 75 per cent by 24 years of age.

Emotional disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, are on the rise. We are just beginning to understand how the increasing prevalence of social media is negatively impacting young people's emotional health.

Children and young people are more likely to have poor mental health if they experience some form of adversity, such as living in poverty, parental separation or financial crisis, where there is a problem with the way their family functions or whose parents already have poor mental health.

Young people who identify as LGBQT are also more likely to suffer from a mental health condition.

Looked after children are four times more likely to experience mental health issues than their peers.

A third of people in the youth justice system are estimated to have a mental health problem.

Nearly three quarters of children with a mental health condition also have a physical health condition or developmental problem.

Nearly 19,000 children were admitted to hospital after harming themselves in 2015 - a 14 per cent rise over three years.

Between 2013/14 and 2014/15, referral rates increased five times faster than the CAMHS workforce.

The average waiting time for children and young people to access mental health services ranges from 14 to 200 days.

Once through the referral process and finally able to get specialist support, even young people with life-threatening conditions can wait more than 100 days before receiving any form of treatment.

Only 6.7 per cent of mental health spending goes to children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).

Of the extra £1.7 billion pledged until the end of 2020 much still needs to be spent on the children that need it.

Government funding for the Early Intervention Grant has been cut by almost £500 million since 2013.

It is projected to drop by a further £183 million by 2020.

Public health funding, which funds school nurses and public mental health services, has been reduced by £600 million from 2015/16 to 2019/20.

Specialist services are turning away one in four of the children referred to them by their GPs or teachers for treatment.

More than 338,000 children were referred to CAMHS in 2017, but less than a third received treatment within the year.

Around 75 per cent of young people experiencing a mental health problem are forced to wait so long their condition gets worse or are unable to access any treatment at all.

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Between five and 10 years old, the split between girls and boys is just about even. But by 17, a quarter of young women have a mental health disorder, more than twice the number of young men. Half of them have self-harmed or attempted to take their own life.

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Government Law to prevent force in Mental Health Settings

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Government Law to prevent force in Mental Health Settings

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Will this work?

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Today, the Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act will commence to better protect patients in mental health settings over the inappropriate use of force.

A new law will ensure better accountability and transparency over the use of force in mental health units

New guidance published sets out clear advice to ensure NHS trusts comply with the law

The act, known as Seni's Law, is named after Olaseni Lewis who died as a result of being forcibly restrained in 2010

Patients in mental health settings will be better protected from inappropriate use of force following the commencement of landmark regulations and publication of guidance of the Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018 today (Tuesday 7 December 2021).

The important legislation will protect patients and workforce by providing a much-needed drive for improved record-keeping and reporting of data on the use of force, the quality of staff training and the way in which investigations are carried out.

The act sets out the measures needed to both prevent the inappropriate use of force, and ensure accountability and transparency in mental health units, ensuring patients are treated with dignity and respect at all times.

New guidance published today will make sure trusts will have a clearer understanding on how to comply with the duties under the act.

Minister for Mental Health Gillian Keegan said:

It is vital anyone receiving care in a mental health setting - a time that can be incredibly distressing - is treated with dignity and respect.

Today's legislation and guidance is an important step forward to ending the disproportionate and inappropriate use of force - protecting both patients and our fantastic workforce - within our mental health services.

We must ensure what happened to Seni does not happen to anyone else. I want to thank Seni's family, particularly his mother Aji, and Steve Reed MP for driving this work forward.

The act, which received royal assent in November 2018, is better known as Seni's Law and is named after Olaseni Lewis, who died as a result of being disproportionately restrained while a voluntary inpatient in a mental health unit in south London.

The guidance has been developed following extensive engagement with the mental health sector and a wide range of stakeholders including those with lived experience, the NHS, regulators, and Aji Lewis and Seni's family.

Aji Lewis, Seni's mother, said:

It's so good to see the guidance published today and the act being commenced.

This is my son's legacy, and I hope it will mean what happened to Seni will not happen to anyone else.

I look forward to continuing to work with the government and mental health providers to make sure the act is properly implemented and real change is achieved.

Steve Reed MP said:

I'm delighted the guidance for Seni's Law has now been published and a date is in sight for the act to come into force.

Seni Lewis died in tragic and avoidable circumstances. His legacy is this act and the changes it makes to ensure people with mental ill health are treated with care, compassion and respect.

Seni's Law forms part of the government's wider commitment to transform mental health services for those with severe mental illness and follows publication of the reforming the Mental Health Act white paper earlier this year, which set out proposals for once-in-a-generation reform.

Thank you for your feedback

Report a problem with this page

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New law to prevent use of force in mental health settings

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Today, the Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act will commence to better protect patients in mental health settings over the inappropriate use of force.

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Download the FREE app Today!

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Try Stay Alive

Find help now

Get help from emergency and crisis support services.

The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.

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Where you can store images and videos that are important to you.

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Available on app and desktop. Everthing syncs across your devices. So the important stuff is always within reach.

*Syncing requires internet connection

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Fill in a plan on how to stay safe in crisis.

Download the App

The app is available for both Android and iOS.

© 2026 Grassroots Suicide Prevention | v1.85.1
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StayAlive | Essential suicide prevention for every day life

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The StayAlive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.

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Compare Our Suicide Courses to other Brands

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Compare Our Suicide Courses to other Brands

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Book your course here: A Fathers Child Services CIC Events | Eventbrite

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Suicide First Aid Understanding Interventions (SFAUI) & SFA Lite City & Guilds Approved Centre

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Suicide First Aid Understanding Interventions (SFAUI) & SFA Lite City & Guilds Approved Centre

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Compare our 1 day and half days Suicide Intervention Internationally recognised Courses

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Support for schools in supporting around Suicide

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Step by Step is a Samaritans service that provides practical support to help schools prepare for and recover from a suspected or attempted suicide. Nobody likes to think about a death in school. Yet suicide is a leading cause of death for young people in the UK and ROI.

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Support tools for those that work with them.

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THANK YOU for visiting our site. You are probably here because...

YOU WANT TO SUPPORT BOYS AND YOUNG MEN in being critical thinkers, empathetic, authentic and safe - for themselves and their male peers and for women and girls

YOU KNOW THAT SOME IDEAS / INFLUENCES 'OUT THERE' ARE UNSAFE for boys and young men themselves - their physical, mental, emotional and legal wellbeing - and for those around them, with particular impacts on women and girls

YOU WANT TO HELP BOYS AND YOUNG MEN SAFELY NAVIGATE a life of challenges, relationships, risks and opportunities in ways that are fulfilling, healthy, meaningful and rewarding

YOU WANT TO FACILITATE GREAT DIALOGUES ON BIG ISSUES such as self-image, healthy relationships, gender stereotyping, online influencers, risky behaviours, the impacts of porn, gaming, peer pressures, friendship and more

YOU'D LIKE TO HELP REWRITE THE NEGATIVE 'SCRIPTS' SOCIETY OFFERS BOYS / YOUNG MEN so that in addition to staying safe for themselves they have the best chance of achieving their potential as assets to their peer-groups, their places of education, their communities and, in time, their own partners and families

YOU AGREE THAT BY BEING PROACTIVE, INTENTIONAL AND INNOVATIVE IN OUR WORK we can, together, promote healthy, safe relationships, families and communities for all, where sex-based disrespect, limitations and violence are never excused or tolerated and women, children and men are safe to thrive

Please get in touch for more info - but be sure to click on the FAQ bubble before contacting us as some key questions are answered there! Thank you

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THANK YOU for visiting our site. You are probably here because... YOU WANT TO SUPPORT BOYS AND YOUNG MEN in being critical thinkers, empathetic, authentic and safe - for themselves and their male peers and for women and girls YOU KNOW THAT SOME IDEAS / INFLUENCES 'OUT THERE' ARE UNSAFE for boys and young men...

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Carolyn Spring Free Trauma tools

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Are you a trauma survivor, or do you work with traumatised people?

If so, we want to help you. We have a range of free trauma resources to download - relevant to dissociation, child sexual abuse, suicide and self-harm, dissociative identity disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and attachment issues.

We generally send out two emails a week.

Our midweek email is called ' Three Quick Quotes ' and comes with another free resource each week, along with helpful quotes from books relating to therapy and trauma, and a snapshot of Carolyn's week - as well as her latest blog (usually weekly).

Then on a weekend we send out info on courses, webinars, books, often with special discounts for our subscribers, or news of upcoming new releases.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

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Are you a trauma survivor, or do you work with traumatised people? If so, we want to help you. We have a range of free trauma resources to download - relevant to dissociation, child sexual abuse, suicide and self-harm, dissociative identity disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and attachment issues.

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FREE Self-harm support for 14-19 year olds

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FREE Self-harm support for 14-19 year olds

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"Since starting alumina it's become the highlight of my week. It's such a safe, non judgemental place which has really helped me in my recovery."

Max

"If you're thinking about joining I'd say go for it, the team are lovely and everyone who does it is so welcoming and supportive"

Abi

Alumina is a free, online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm. Each course has up to 14 young people, all accessing the sessions from their own phones, tablets or laptops across the UK. The courses take place on different evenings of the week and are run by friendly, trained counsellors and volunteer youth workers. You don't need an adult to refer you or sign you up, and no-one will see or hear you during the sessions - you'll just join in via the chatbox. We want to help you to find your next steps towards recovery, wherever you are on your journey.

IS ALUMINA RIGHT FOR ME?

Are you...

10-17 years old?

Living in the UK?

Someone who self-harms or worries they might?

Looking for support but not wanting to do it face to face?

Wanting to move towards a life free from self-harm?

If so...

Alumina could be a helpful step forward. If you sign up we'll begin a conversation over email to work out if it might be a good fit - and you can ask us any questions you have. The only rule we have in Alumina is that we don't talk about suicide in the groups. If that's something you are struggling with thinking about we recommend getting in touch with our friends at Papyrus who are better equipped to support you.

"I thought it would be all serious and uncomfortable because of the self-harm talk but actually, the staff have made me laugh, we've been given a space that feels relevant to our ages and most importantly we can turn up in any mood and they'll be there for us." Runa

What's a session like?

"Clicking on the link for the first time was nerve wracking and intense with lots of thoughts going through my head. But within only a few minutes of the session I had a smile on my face and felt comfortable with the staff and the group."

Sasha

"Alumina was quite different to what I expected, I thought it would just be an intense 6 weeks and it would be over like other services. But it was nothing like that - instead I felt and still feel very supported by the staff. The group and staff are like a big family who's always there for me."

Samara

"Clicking that link for the very first time was terrifying. But I knew it could be life-changing. The first session I felt welcome, I no longer felt like an outsider. It's fun, believe me!! Most days I find myself looking forward to the next session because Alumina gives me a sign of hope."

Dan

Questions

We aren't a crisis service so if you're in need of immediate support please contact one of the following:

The Mix: Offering essential support for anyone aged 12-25. For their crisis messenger support service text THEMIX to 85258.
Childline: Support for anyone up to age 18. Call, chat online or email their crisis service.
Samaritans: Call 116123 anytime if you need to talk to someone.

We've changed the shape of our support for young people. This website introduces Alumina, our online support groups for young people struggling with self-harm. We've also recently launched beheadstrong.uk offering young people all kinds of information, stories and videos about looking after your mental and emotional wellbeing. You can find links to some of selfharm.co.uk's most popular articles below.

Yes we have! We have worked with 14-19 year olds for many years but we have always heard from people who are younger (or those who care about them) asking if we do anything for younger people. Then from September 2022 we reduced our age range to 11, and found how important it was to support this age range and that our Early Intervention project was great for this age range. Therefore, from October 2023 we will be aiming our work at young people in secondary school or college (or equivalent) and those transitioning to secondary school and our age range has reduced to 10-17 years old. If you're under 13 we will need to get permission from someone with parental responsibility for you, and we will email them to explain how Alumina works and make sure they are happy with you joining a group.

We aim to group similar aged young people into groups together, so 10-13-year-olds will be offered groups together and 13-17 year olds will be in other groups together. We are happy to work with anyone until the end of their full-time education, therefore we will work with 17- and 18-year-olds so long as they are three months or more away from finishing their education at the end of August.

Meet the team

Live Webinars

We have recently started to do live webinars on YouTube on issues related to self-harm and emotional wellbeing

Supporting Young People Who Self-harm

If you're a parent, professional or friend supporting a young person who's self-harming, we recommend taking an hour to watch this webinar with our Alumina Managers. They explore why people self-harm, why young people especially self-harm, why it becomes addictive, how to break the addiction cycle, and what young people wish the adults around them understood about self-harm.

"Alumina is a well thought through support service for young people; it is professional, caring and accessible to all. Signposting a young person to Alumina will help them begin their recovery journey."

DR. KATE MIDDLETON

Our Alumina advisory panel

More information about self-harm

We've moved some of our most popular articles about self-harm over to beheadstrong.uk, and you can use these links to find them:

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Free online Self-harm support for 10-17 year olds

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"Since starting alumina it's become the highlight of my week. It's such a safe, non judgemental place which has really helped me in my recovery." Max "If you're thinking about joining I'd say go for it, the team are lovely and everyone who does it is so welcoming and supportive" Abi Alumina is a free, online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm.

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Free online training from Zero Suicide Alliance

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Free online training courses to help you gain knowledge, skills and confidence to talk to someone who may be feeling suicidal or socially isolated.

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Book Your Mental Health First Aid Training Here!

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Book Your Mental Health First Aid Training Here!

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I am aware of the complexities individuals can face and how they can impact on our emotions, social interactions, personal and professional relationships.

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Read More about our Youth MHFA Programme here.

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Read More about our Youth MHFA Programme here.

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Supporting your Mental health While working from home

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