CompletedObservational

The role and contribution of the voluntary sector to the prevention of suicide among young people

This study explores how voluntary groups and charities support young people aged 16-25 who have experienced self-harm or suicidal thoughts. We know suicide is a leading cause of death in young people, and many don't feel comfortable getting help from traditional health services. This research will look at how young people use these community services, why they choose them, and how these groups work alongside doctors, hospitals, and social care. The goal is to develop better ways for everyone to work together to prevent suicide in young people. This is an important step to ensure young people get the right support at the right time in the West Midlands and South West England.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

100

Start

27 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2026

Prevention of self-harm and suicidal thoughts or behaviours among young people.

What is this study about?

This study is about understanding how charities, community groups, and other voluntary organisations help young people aged 16 to 25 who are dealing with difficult feelings like self-harm or thoughts of suicide. Sadly, suicide is a major cause of death among young people in the UK, especially for those from certain backgrounds or living in specific areas. Many young people might also feel hesitant to approach doctors or social workers for help.

Researchers want to learn more about how young people find and use these voluntary services. They also want to see how these groups work together with official health services (like GPs and mental health teams) and social care. By talking to young people who have used these services and the professionals who provide support, the study aims to find out what works well and what could be improved. The insights gained will help create clearer guidelines for better teamwork between voluntary groups and official services, ultimately making sure young people get the best possible support.

The study will focus on two specific areas in England: the West Midlands and the South West Peninsula. These regions were chosen because they have a mix of different people and places. A special group of young people who have their own experiences with mental health will also help guide the research, making sure it’s relevant and helpful to others.

Key takeaways

Goal: To improve support for young people experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Focus: How charities and community groups help, and how they work with official health services.
Participants: Young people (16-25) with lived experience and professionals who support them.
Regions: West Midlands and South West Peninsula in England.
Method: Interviews and workshops to gather experiences and ideas.
Benefit: Your input can help shape better support for others in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you might be able to participate if you are a young person aged between 16 and 25 years old. You should have experience with self-harm or suicidal thoughts and be currently getting help, or have previously sought help, from a charity or community group in the West Midlands or South West England for these issues.

We are also looking for professionals from charities, community groups, and official health or social care services. If you work in these areas in the West Midlands or South West England, and you support young people who are dealing with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, you might be able to take part. This includes people like helpline staff, youth workers, counsellors, GPs, and social workers.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 16 and 25 years old?
Do you have experience with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, or do you support young people who do?
Are you currently seeking help, or have you sought help, from a charity or community group (if a young person)?
Do you live or work in the West Midlands or South West Peninsula of England?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you would be invited to have a private chat, called an interview, with one of the researchers. These interviews can be done online or in person and will be recorded. We will ask you about your experiences and thoughts related to the study topics. If you are a young person, you might talk about your experiences getting help from voluntary organisations. If you are a professional, you might discuss how your organisation works to support young people.

Some participants will also be invited to a workshop with other young people and professionals. This workshop will be held online and aims to discuss and create ideas for better ways of working together. The interviews typically last for a specific amount of time (which will be explained fully if you decide to take part), and the workshop would also have a set duration. There are no medications or special treatments involved in this study. The study team will provide more detailed information about what's involved if you are eligible and interested.

Potential risks and benefits

We don’t expect any harm from taking part in the interviews or workshops. However, because the study talks about sensitive topics like self-harm and suicidal thoughts, it might be upsetting for some. For young people, we have safety measures in place, like encouraging you to make sure you feel okay before the interview, offering a chat beforehand to create a safety plan, and letting you take breaks or stop at any time. We will provide details on where to get support if you need it. Professionals can also take breaks or stop if uncomfortable. A key benefit of taking part is sharing your experiences to help improve support services for young people and contribute to creating better guidelines for how different organisations can work together. You have the right to withdraw your information from the study up to two weeks after you’ve taken part.

Locations (10)

West Midlands
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Staffordshire
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Warwickshire
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Shropshire
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Worcestershire
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Herefordshire
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Cornwall
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Devon
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Somerset
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Dorset
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-, England

Common questions

What is this study trying to achieve?

This study wants to understand and improve how charities and community groups help young people with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, and how these groups work with official health services.

Who is funding this research?

The study is funded by a UK organisation called the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

How long will the study run for?

The study is planned to run from January 2025 to March 2026.

Where is the main research team located?

The main team for this study is based at the Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham in the UK.

What does 'voluntary sector' mean?

The 'voluntary sector' refers to charities, community groups, and other organisations that provide services, often without making a profit, to help people in need.

How to find out more

Maria Michail

m.michail@bham.ac.uk +44 (0)121 414 3344 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.