Sally Panks

For years, one persistent and harmful belief has held far too much power: the idea that talking about self-harm, or educating young people about it, will somehow make them more likely to engage in it. It’s an understandable fear. Adults want to protect young people, and conversations about self-harm can feel uncomfortable, frightening, or “too heavy.” But research, safeguarding professionals, and lived experience all tell us the same thing: Silence is more dangerous than conversation. This...

There is a growing, often invisible crisis in the UK’s health system: the long and deeply unequal waiting times for neurodivergent children to access assessment and mental health support. For many families, getting a diagnosis or therapeutic help feels like an endless wait — and this delay can have serious consequences. Why Waiting Times Matter A neurodivergent diagnosis (for example, ADHD or autism) is more than a label. It can unlock vital support: tailored education plans, therapeutic...

We are all have a part the play! At least 1 in 15 young people are known to self-harm — but the reality is that many more are suffering in silence. Hidden self-harm is a growing issue across the UK, and signs can start to show from as young as eight years old. That’s why it’s so important to give children and young people the tools to manage their emotions in a healthy, positive way before self-harm becomes their coping strategy. Schools Have a Vital Role to Play Schools don’t want to admit...