Suicide & self-harm

Lead

Dr Mick Dennis
Reader in old age liaison psychiatry

Summary

Suicide is a tragic cause of death, and a cause of considerable distress for families, carers and health professionals. On average for every suicide, six other people are significantly adversely affected.  Similarly, self-harm is associated with significant psychological distress.  Unfortunately, self-harm is a major health problem in Wales, with a large number of attendances to hospital Emergency Departments and also often goes unreported in the community.

In order to try and reduce both suicide and self-harm we need a better understanding of underlying factors and geographical variations  This clinical research group has been formed to promote research in this important area. It is an international, multi-disciplinary group that includes psychiatry, psychology, sociology, nursing, and human geography and brings together collaborators from Wales, England, France and Italy.  Members include academics, clinicians, voluntary sector workers, community groups, survivors of attempted suicide, and those bereaved through suicide. The group aims to carry out research at the population, community, family and individual level.  In addition we hope to be involved in introducing preventive strategies and trialling interventions both as leaders of research projects and as members of larger collaborations.

The membership of the group reflects the group’s recognition of the importance of users and carer involvement in health research. There are numerous ways in which service users and carers are involved. Firstly, they are full members of the group and they are encouraged to participate in identifying and prioritising topics for inquiry, as well as in designing, managing and monitoring the research. They are encouraged to participate in analysing and interpreting the research findings, writing reports and disseminating results.  Importantly user and carer involvement ensures research activity is sensitive and responsive to the needs of individuals with mental health problems and their carers. 

Contact details

CHIRAL, School of Medicine
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP

Tel: 01792 602166
Email: m.s.dennis@swansea.ac.uk