Emergency Care After Self-Harm (EmCASH)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Emergency Care After Self-Harm (EmCASH): what helps young people, why, and in what circumstances?
IRAS ID
352987
Contact name
Daniel Romeu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
What is self-harm?
Self-harm is when someone intentionally harms themselves. It can include physical injury, neglecting one’s needs, or any actions that may harm the body or mind. People self-harm for different reasons, often to cope with difficult feelings. While self-harm does not always mean someone wants to die, it can increase the risk of serious harm and suicide.
What are the aims of this project?
We want to improve care for young people (aged 12–25) in England who seek emergency support after self-harm. This study will explore what helps them, what does not, and why. We are focusing on young people’s experiences, and not looking to diagnose conditions.
Why is this project important?
More young people are seeking emergency care after self-harm, but we do not fully understand why, what they find helpful, or how care could be improved. Some may not need hospital treatment, which can be distressing. Our findings will help improve services and support options.
What are we going to do?
We will interview young people who have self-harmed in the past year, as well as parents and carers. These one-on-one interviews will take place online or in-person in a private setting. We will ask participants about past experiences, what influences decisions to seek help, and what they find helpful and why. Participants will receive a £20 voucher to say thank you.
How will patients and the public be involved?
Young people, parents, and carers have helped design this study. They will help us to understand the findings and share them with others.
What happens next?
We will share our findings with professionals, decision-makers, and the public through reports, research papers, a study website, and social media. We will do our best to protect everyone’s privacy and ensure nobody can be identified in any reports.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
25/WA/0240
Date of REC Opinion
13 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion