Research is at the heart of our work at Harmless and The Tomorrow Project. Our mission to prevent self harm and suicide is rooted in a belief in the power of knowledge. We know that understanding the complex landscape of these issues is the first step towards effective prevention and support. That’s why we’ve invested in a dedicated internal research team and fostered strong partnerships with academic institutions.
Our in-house research team is a passionate group of experts dedicated to exploring the underlying causes, risk factors, and protective factors related to self harm and suicide. They delve into the data, conduct surveys, interview individuals with lived experience, and collaborate with clinicians and police officers on the front lines. But their work doesn’t stop at gathering information. They analyse and translate their findings into actionable recommendations, helping us to:
Inform Practice: Develop evidence-based interventions and training programmes that equip professionals with the tools they need to effectively support those in crisis.
Evaluate Impact: Assess the effectiveness of our programmes and services, ensuring we’re making a real difference in people’s lives and identifying areas for improvement.
Advocate for Change: Use our research findings to influence policy and drive systemic changes that create a more supportive environment for individuals at risk.
What that means is that as the Centre of Excellence we are operating at the highest level of scrutiny and quality performance; innovating and evolving whilst consolidating an ever-growing evidence base. It also means that Harmless know that what we are delivering is effective and that we change quickly if our approach becomes outdated or no longer fit for purpose. It means we drive policy and strategy and the evidence base in the field instead of just manifesting the work of others. It also means that our service is safe for both clients and staff.
Our commitment to research extends beyond our internal team. We actively partner with academic institutions, providing a platform for cutting-edge research and fostering a new generation of researchers through our internship programme. This collaboration allows us to:
Tap into a Wealth of Expertise: Access diverse perspectives and specialised knowledge from leading researchers in the field.
Drive Innovation: Explore novel approaches to prevention and intervention, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Expand Our Reach: Share our findings with a wider audience, contributing to the global effort to address self harm and suicide.
Our research efforts are made possible by the generous support of individuals and organisations who share our vision of a world where everyone feels supported and empowered to live a life free from self harm and suicidal thoughts. Your donations help us to fund research projects, train new researchers and disseminate our findings far and wide. Together, we can create a future where research-driven solutions pave the way for lasting change and offer hope for those affected by self harm and suicide. Join us in our mission to save lives.