About the
research

The EmCASH project aims to improve emergency care for young people (25 and under) in England after self-harm, by understanding what helps, in what situations, and why.

Our findings will help to improve existing services, create new ones, and inform training for emergency healthcare workers to better support young people.

We are using a “realist” approach, which recognizes that no single solution works for everyone, everywhere. Instead of asking, “does it work?”, we ask, “what works, for whom, why, and in what situations?” This helps decision-makers design services that truly meet people’s needs.

The project has four parts:

1. Reviewing research: We will explore what services exist across England for young people after self-harm, and what is already known about what works and why.

2. Analysing data: We will examine NHS 111, ambulance, and A&E data in Yorkshire to learn how young people use these services and what factors affect their experiences.

3. Listening to stories: Interviews with young people and their caregivers will reveal how they decide where to seek help and what they find most or least helpful.

4. Bringing it all together: We will combine everything to explain what works best for young people after self-harm, and why.

Research is done best when it actively involves the people it is trying to benefit.

We are working closely with three key groups throughout the study:

1.     Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) - a group of young people with lived experience of self-harm or mental health challenges.

2.     Parents and Carers Advisory Group (PCAG) - a group of parents and carers supporting young people who self-harm.

3.     Healthcare Professionals Advisory Group (HCPAG) - a diverse group of clinicians & professionals working with young people in emergency & mental health settings.

Would you like to shape our research?

If so, you are welcome to join one of our advisory groups:

• YPAG (25 years and under) - for young people with lived experience of self-harm or mental health challenges.

• PCAG - for parents and carers of young people who self-harm.

By joining, you’ll help improve the study with your insights and experiences. Members are compensated with shopping vouchers as a thank you for their time.

If you'd like to participate in the study itself, keep an eye out for updates. We’re aiming to start recruiting for interviews in Summer 2025 (pending ethical approval).