CompletedNot ApplicableInterventional

Understanding whether a new digital tool to support communication about self-harm between practitioners and young people is acceptable and usable in clinical settings

Talking about self-harm can feel overwhelming and difficult. Researchers in Nottinghamshire are testing a new digital tool called the CaTS-App to make these conversations easier. The app uses a digital card-sorting activity on a tablet to help young people and their mental health workers map out the thoughts, feelings, and events that lead up to self-harm. The study is open to young people aged 12 to 24 who are already receiving NHS support for self-harm in Nottinghamshire, as well as the practitioners supporting them. Taking part involves using the app during normal support sessions over up to 12 weeks, filling out some simple questionnaires, and perhaps sharing thoughts in a short interview. The findings will help researchers understand if this tool makes it easier for young people to express themselves and work together with their care team.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

24 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Self-harm

What is this study about?

Self-harm is a major challenge for many young people across the UK. Finding the words to describe painful feelings or what triggers self-harm can be tough. Traditional talking therapies can sometimes feel daunting or hard to engage with, which means some young people miss out on the shared understanding they need to heal.

To help bridge this gap, researchers have developed the CaTS-App. This digital tool uses a card-sorting activity on a tablet. During a session, a young person and their mental health worker can look at different cards representing thoughts, emotions, and life events. By sorting these cards together, they can create a visual story of what happened before and after an episode of self-harm. This makes it easier to spot patterns and discuss alternative ways to cope.

This pilot study is running in Nottinghamshire to test how well the app works in real clinical appointments. Researchers want to know whether both young people and mental health staff find the tool practical, comfortable, and genuinely helpful. The goal is not to replace human support, but to provide a creative, shared way to make difficult conversations feel safer and more productive.

Key takeaways

Tests a new tablet app (CaTS-App) to help young people talk about self-harm with their care worker.
Open to young people aged 12 to 24 receiving NHS care for self-harm in Nottinghamshire.
Used during regular appointments for up to 12 weeks—no extra clinic visits needed.
Helps map out feelings and triggers using a visual card-sorting exercise.
Taking part is completely voluntary and will not change your normal NHS treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to young people aged 12 to 24 who are currently receiving support for self-harm through Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust or Harmless (a local specialist NHS service provider). Your healthcare worker must also be taking part in the study and feel that using the app is safe and suitable for your current care.

To join, you must be able to read and write in English. If you are aged 16 or over, you can decide to take part on your own. If you are aged 12 to 15, you can take part with a parent or carer's permission, or on your own if your mental health worker assesses that you fully understand what the study involves.

You may not be able to take part if your mental health worker feels that being in a research study would not be helpful for your wellbeing right now. You also cannot join if you have an additional condition or disability that makes it too difficult to use a tablet screen alongside your worker.

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.

I am between 12 and 24 years old.
I am currently receiving support for self-harm in Nottinghamshire (through the NHS or Harmless).
My mental health worker is taking part in the CaTS-App study.
I can read and understand English.
I feel comfortable using a tablet screen to sort cards during my sessions.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will not need to attend extra hospital visits. Instead, you will use the CaTS-App on a tablet alongside your mental health worker during your regular, in-person appointments over a period of up to 12 weeks. No new medications or medical procedures are involved.

At the start, you and your worker will watch a short video explaining the app, and you will complete a couple of quick questionnaires about how you are feeling. During your normal appointments, you will use the app to sort digital cards that describe your feelings and choices around self-harm, followed by time to reflect and chat through other coping ideas. At the end of the study, you will complete another set of short surveys to share your views on how easy the app was to use. You may also be invited to take part in an optional 30-minute chat with researchers to give detailed feedback on your experience.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may not provide direct personal benefits, but many young people find the card-sorting activity makes it easier to understand and express their feelings. You will also be helping to improve mental health tools for other young people in the future. Because the study involves talking about self-harm, it could bring up uncomfortable or upsetting memories. Your regular mental health worker will be with you throughout the sessions to support you. You can take a break, skip any activity, or leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and your usual NHS care will continue unchanged.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Nottingham, England
Harmless
City only
Nottingham, England

Common questions

Will using the app replace my usual therapy or support?

No. The app is used alongside your normal mental health worker during your regular sessions as an extra tool to help you communicate.

Do I have to pay to use the app or take part?

No. Taking part is completely free, and all equipment (such as the tablet) is provided for your sessions.

Do my parents have to know I am in the study?

If you are 16 or older, you can consent for yourself. If you are between 12 and 15, a parent usually needs to give permission, but you may be able to join independently if your worker agrees you are mature enough to decide for yourself.

What happens if talking about self-harm makes me feel upset?

You are supported by your usual mental health worker throughout every session. If you feel overwhelmed, you can stop using the app immediately and focus on getting the support you need.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You can leave the study at any point. Deciding to stop will not affect your relationship with your care team or the NHS support you receive.

How to find out more

Camilla Babbage

camilla.babbage@nottingham.ac.uk - Official trial record

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