Emerge Advocacy supports people aged 10 to 25 who are in A&E because of self-harm, a suicide attempt or emotional crisis. Our teams are present in hospital during the evening to be a #VoiceOfHope to young people as they arrive, many times having been brought in by ambulance or police. As a purposely non-clinical, informal yet informed service, we can often be found playing Uno, doing colouring or talking about random things with young people which enables them to feel much calmer and more able to engage with the clinical care they need. On average, their distress reduces from 8/10 to 4/10 over the course of the hour or two our staff and volunteers invest in them.

We continue to support young people once they leave hospital, providing weekly, in person follow up sessions with a member of our team to be a ‘bridge out of crisis’, working with the young person to help them find positive coping strategies and to make connections with others in their lives who can support them going forwards.

During the life of this grant the Royal Surrey team have had 297 interactions with young people.

"Had I not met Emerge I would have probably attempted on my life whilst in hospital. It was extremely helpful to have a chat with them and for the first time I didn't feel alone." Liam, age 16

Emerge Advocacy

Awarded 2023-2024