Led by the University of Birmingham, in collaboration with the Universities of Exeter and Bristol, the project is funded by the NIHR within its Three NIHR Research Schools’ Mental Health Programme. It will investigate what sort of services are provided by the voluntary sector, but also explore why young people may be more inclined to access these than seek help from primary care or public health services.
Lead researcher Dr Maria Michail said: “Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people in the UK. Many young people with thoughts or behaviours relating to self-harm and suicide do not seek professional help. This is particularly relevant to those from marginalised groups, for example, those in care, care leavers, and those from rural or deprived areas who are at high risk of suicide.
“Instead, we’re finding that young people are more willing to access informal support such as helplines and crisis cafes. We need to better understand why this is, and how those voluntary organisations support young people and work in collaboration with health and social care services.”
