4 Dec 2025
Supporting the Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Research Collaborative ‘Small Step Challenge’
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Supporting our region’s Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Research Collaborative ‘Small Step Challenge’
The North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Research Collaborative brings together regional research partners, health and care system providers and people with personal experience to increase the scope and scale of self harm and suicide prevention research, reduce gaps and duplication, and support implementation.
Read more about the partnership.
Earlier this year, the Collaborative held a workshop called ‘Small Change, Big Impact’ where participants worked together to agree small things that could be worked on collectively to make a difference to people’s lives.
One suggestion was the development of a campaign to raise awareness around support and training available, and reduce stigma around suicide and self harm. This then led to the development of the ‘Small Step Challenge’ campaign.
The Small Step Challenge
The Small Step Challenge campaign will run throughout December 2025.
Its aim is to:
- Raise awareness of currently available resources, information, support and free online training.
- Help reduce stigma and the share the message that suicide prevention everyone’s business
- Help increase human connections and promote messages of hope
The campaign has three key themes:
- Look after yourself
- Look out for others
- Get help early
Jo Cook from the NENC Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Research Collaborative said: “Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Looking after yourself means reaching out when you need support and checking in on others too. A simple conversation can save a life. Let’s build a world where everyone feels seen, supported and valued.”
The campaign launched on Monday 1 December, and messages and resources will be shared each week. The NIHR ARC North East and North Cumbria is supporting the campaign.
Week one – resources
There may be times when you need some extra support.
Do you know where to get help for people you are working with or friends or colleagues?
Here are some useful resources which may be helpful.
Resource Library – Every Life Matters
Help and Advice Resources | Papyrus UK
Samaritans – Training and Resources | Internet, Suicide and Self-harm
Suicide Prevention Charity | Campaign Against Living Miserably
Other ways to get help
Text CALMER to 85258 to get free, 24/7 confidential text support.
Call 111 and select option 2 for 24/7 access to mental health support
Samaritans call 116 123 for free 24hrs a day 365days a year
Papyrus Hopline247 0800 0684141
SilverLine 24/7 helpline for older people – 0800 4 70 80 90
More about the North East North Cumbria Suicide and Self Harm Research Collaborative
By bringing partners together, the North East North Cumbria Suicide and Self Harm Research Collaborative sets out to:
- Translate the interest around suicide and self-harm into a programme of work to help foster collaboration in research and implementation.
- Facilitate the co-creation and delivery of research, embedding lived experience throughout all activities, helping to ensure research is directed by the aims and values of people with lived experience.
- Be responsive to the needs of local populations and health and care systems.
- Help ensure research is embedded into services and practice.
- Help increase the rate at which research findings are implemented into practice.
- Provide a supportive environment to all partners working in this difficult and sometimes distressing area of research.
- Contribute to the reduction in stigma around self-harm and suicide.