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It’s not just angst-ridden teenagers who self-harm: people who self-harm can be any age and come from all walks of life. Harmless reaches out to and supports them by providing email and postal support, face-to-face services and a website that receives thousands of hits a month. “We help people to express themselves and move forward in their lives,” says director Caroline Roe.
 
Harmless volunteers develop strong relationships with those they help. “We encourage individuals to trust and engage with us, and then we can ensure we provide appropriate support led by the person’s individual set of needs,” says Caroline. “We provide an ongoing package of care.” Volunteers may also suggest alternative coping strategies, or help people who self-harm to develop a better understanding of their own lives and emotional needs. Caroline explains,“individuals who self-harm need a safe place where they can begin to talk about their painful experiences, but also where they can learn to manage and express these differently.”
 
Before Harmless, there were few professional services dedicated to self-harm. A National Lottery grant helped to launch Harmless and has enabled it to establish itself as a brand as well as a service. An interactive DVD and information package produced by Harmless, using some of the grant money, helps other carers and professionals engage with people who self-harm in a positive and constructive way.  Harmless also received additional Lottery funding to develop “In Our Own Words,” a book that features experiences of self harm from those who may be suffering, their friends, their families and even the professionals who have worked with self-harming individuals. 
 
People who self harm are often hard to reach, so Harmless focuses on being easy to contact, publicising the service through media appearances, events and leaflets, and by being open to everyone. Once people take the step and contact them, they are assured it is confidential and anonymous. “People tell us that they feel safe with us and that we are helping them to move away from despair,” says Caroline, “we believe in recovery, and pass on our message of hope to people who need it the most”.

For further information, visit www.harmless.org.uk

Caroline Roe was featured in You magazine on 31st January 2010.