Rates of suicide and self-harming behaviours have risen during the pandemic, especially among children and young people. Murray Hall’s Breaking Silence project has reported supporting a record breaking 592 individuals during the pandemic.
Beccy Newell – Creative Therapeutic Services Co-ordinator said:
“The Breaking Silence project supports children and young people, and their families in Sandwell by promoting recovery and encouraging safe alternative methods for coping. People can self-refer and the therapy is free.
Since March 2020, assessments were adapted from face-to-face to a blended approach including distance intervention by telephone and video calling. Our 1 to 1 therapeutic intervention and creative empowerment groups, were made Covid safe, whilst positive coping mechanism videos including mindfulness techniques were made available to download.”
CASE STUDY
Ashley (not her real name) had low self-esteem, suicidal ideation and was self-harming.
Breaking Silence experts used creative therapy to explore Ashley’s difficult feelings around school and family life. Working with her parents Ashley began to feel calmer and was able to recognize friendship groups that were unkind and move her attention to groups that valued her. Ashley developed the confidence to talk to her parents about family concerns and her self-harm and suicidal ideation reduced significantly.
Ashley said:
“I can’t believe it’s been 23 days since I last self-harmed, I am proud of myself and talking each week has helped’.
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