Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edwards visited Harmless and The Tomorrow Project in East Leake to discuss the work the organisation does to support vulnerable people who are at risk of self-harm and suicide.
Founded by Caroline and Amy in October 2007, the duo, both with their own experiences using this and their passion to help others to turn the service from a dream into a reality.
The Tomorrow Project was later developed at the end of 2012 in response to tragic local suicides.
Since then, they have expanded to offer three tiers of support across all of Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
These tiers are
Prevention – working with all individuals impacted by self-harm. This can also include family members, friends and professionals. This is the foundational basis for our self-harm support which offers both stabilisation and therapy.
Intervention – working with individuals who are presenting in suicide crisis. This represents our suicide crisis pathway.
Postvention – A clinical service for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts, feelings or those who are bereaved by suicide.
Discussing the issues surrounding suicide and self-harm with team members Sydney, Katie and Colin, Ruth was joined by County Councillor Matt Barney. Both were keen to support Harmless and The Tomorrow Project in the future and help them expand their vital work.
Ruth regularly raises mental health provisions with ministers and was pleased to see the recent announcement of £2.7 million of Government funding for mental health-based places of safety to be set up in Nottinghamshire.
This was part of the £150 million of funding for new facilities to support mental health urgent and emergency care services across the UK.
Ruth said:
“Suicide is still one of the biggest causes of death in this country, and shatters the lives of family and friends too.
“That is why I am so proud to have a service like the Tomorrow Project in Rushcliffe and expanding across the East Midlands.
“The fact that this hugely positive service has grown out of such a tragedy is wonderful and I look forward to working with The Tomorrow Project and supporting them in whatever way I can.”
Ruth will be working with the Tomorrow Project to signpost constituents in need of mental health support to their services. She will also work to raise the profile of the support they can provide with organisations helping survivors of domestic abuse in Rushcliffe.
County Councillor Matt Barney said:
“I have followed the journey of Harmless and have had direct involvement with a number of individuals and families who have benefitted first-hand from the brilliant services and support provided by this wonderful group of councillors.
“The difference that harmless makes in the lives of people across Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire is incalculable and as such I want to continue to support this amazing charity in whatever way I am able.”
Sydney from Harmless & The Tomorrow Project said:
“We were extremely grateful Ruth was able to visit us at our East Leake Office to hear more about the support we offer within the Rushcliffe area.
“Katie, Colin and I were able to express the importance of the work we do, how our CEO Caroline and Amy developed the service and the current demands we are facing with the Cost-of-Living crisis and post Covid-19.
“Ruth took a great interest in our open letter, which can be read on our website, and we look forward to working with her more closely to continue striving to improve and fight for our service and offer support to those in need.”
