Laura Culshaw, Doctoral Researcher in Psychology who researchers self-harm among university students, was interviewed by BBC Radio London about the launch of the CHERISH website which provides resources for those supporting university students who self-harm.
Talking about how to support someone mentally when they are at university, Culshaw said: “I think that’s what our website CHERISH really tries to address because the information on there comes from people with lived experiences of providing support, and we’ve tried to validate those types of feelings because distance is a massive issue and it’s very normal to feel worried and that level of concern.
“I think a lot of people feel guilty about that and the real message of this website is it is okay not to be okay as a supporter as well, and it’s okay to hold your hand up and say you need support too. Those types of emotions that they might be feeling, this worry, and not knowing how to provide support effectively, we hope this site will try and help bridge that gap for them.”
Talking about the materials on the website, she added: “We have sections on how you might feel as a supporter when somebody discloses to you that they’re self-harming, what you might be able to do to help but also the limitations of what you can do and recognising that and making them feel comfortable. There are also lots of self-care tips and the importance of looking after yourself, that’s the main message of the site.”
Listen to the full interview on BBC iPlayer.
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