Sue Simkin

I am a researcher and Co-ordinator of the Centre for Suicide Research. 

I have been working in the field of suicide and self-harm since the early 1970s.  My research interests include suicide in high risk occupations, the epidemiology of deliberate self-harm, prevention of specific methods of suicide, media influence on suicidal behaviour, and working with coroners’ inquest records.  I worked with a group set up by the Department of Health to produce Help is at Hand, a resource for people bereaved by suicide.

One of the key components of our current NHS National Institute for Health Research funded programme of research in support of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy is focused on the needs of parents and carers of young people who have self-harmed. 

Self-harm by young people is common, yet there has been little research on the effects this has on parents, carers and families. I am working with colleagues at the University of Oxford Health Experiences Research Group to conduct a UK-wide study to increase understanding of this experience and to provide information and support for parents and carers. We have interviewed parents and carers of young people up to the age of 25 who have self-harmed, and from analysis of the interviews we will develop a HealthTalkOnline module (www.healthtalkonline.org) to support and inform other families going through similar experiences.  We will also produce a guide for parents of young people who have self-harmed, and guidelines for clinicians involved in their care.