East Midlands Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Research Network
The East Midlands Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Research Network (EM-SRN) began in June 2013 and is a virtual network aimed at all professionals and organisations who may work with those who may attempt self-harm or suicide. It is currently co-ordinated by Jenny Ness and Keith Waters at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
The aims of the network are to provide a single point of contact for all professionals and to encourage greater collaboration, facilitate sharing and the implementation of research and best practice across the region.
How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?
The EM-SRN is a virtual network aimed at all professionals and organisations who may work with those where suicidal or self-harm behaviours or thoughts may be present.
The aim of the network is to provide a single point of contact for all professionals to encourage greater collaboration across the region and facilitate the sharing and implementation of research and best practice in the field of self-harm and suicide.
We continue to have growing representation from a range of diverse occupations that use the network to link up and provide one another with support and inspiration that will lead to direct benefits for both themselves and the service users they work with.
EM-SRN has a Google group to provide communication between professionals in the region. The group and forum is used to share research, experiences, ideas and to inform the members of upcoming events for the East Midlands and neighbouring counties.
The EM-SRN group has held a number of East Midlands networking events allowing group members to meet and have discussions about current work happening across the East Midlands region.
What are your current priorities?
Our current priorities are to provide a route to not only disseminate information, but also to allow members to contact, seek views, advise and inform each other of work across the East Midlands.
What challenges are you currently facing?
Our current challenges are:
– Raising awareness of the network.
– Administering, maintaining and developing the network into a valuable asset to its members.
– Ensuring awareness that the network is only for those who work and provide input, education, care and research into the area, rather than being a resource or support to those directly affected by self-harm or suicide.