The Opal Project
The Opal Project provides support and information for young people who self harm. It was formed by two teenagers who were self-harmers and wanted to provide support and help people to understand the issues which lead young people to self harm.
Who we are
2 young people, 100+ beneficiaries.
Where we're based
Brackley, Northamptonshire
When we started
2004
How we started
The Opal Project was formed in 2004 as a response to the lack of good quality resources available to young people who self-harm.
Our work
The Opal Project was formed by two teenagers who were self-harmers and wanted to provide support for others and help people to understand the issues which lead young people to self harm. As former self-harmers, the founders of the project were determined to provide a resource that they would have found both useful and accessible, making it available to as many young people as possible. Tired of reading through leaflets which only advised ‘talking to someone’ or ‘having a bath’, they launched Spectrum, a journal which can be used by those who self-harm to record their feelings. Their journal, Spectrum, allows young people to record their feelings, which in turn helps them to reflect on and come to understand the reasons for their self-harming. Spectrum includes artwork and poetry by its two founders, plus contact details of organisations that can offer help. They have also created an Information Pack to support parents/guardians, teachers and other professionals who are trying and support young people experiencing self harm issues as often the information has not been created by young people themselves.
Future plans
Were you part of this winning group? We'd love to hear from you about what you're up to now!
Project website
http://www.theopalproject.co.uk
Opal has given me more than I ever imagined possible: I have gained a new understanding of the misconception adults and non-self-harmers have about self-harm and the courage to use my experience to help others.
Laura, 17, co-founder of Opal
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