The COPING feasibility study
Many young people visit their GP after self-harming, but doctors often lack quick, practical tools specifically designed to help during standard appointments. The COPING study aims to change that. Researchers worked alongside young people and family doctors to design 'COPING'. This is a brief talking approach delivered by a GP across two 10-minute sessions. It focuses on healthy ways to handle tough emotions and avoid future self-harm. This feasibility trial involves up to 12 GP practices across England. Its main goal is to find out if this support can be smoothly delivered in everyday NHS care. Young people aged 16 to 25 who have self-harmed in the past year will receive the two GP sessions, complete three progress surveys, and can give feedback in an optional interview. The findings will help shape a future, larger nationwide study.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Self-harm is a serious challenge that affects many teenagers and young adults across the UK. Often, a family doctor (GP) is the first healthcare professional a young person turns to after hurting themselves. However, standard GP appointments are short, and doctors often do not have a proven, step-by-step treatment they can use right away. This can leave both young people and GPs feeling unsupported.
To bridge this gap, researchers partnered directly with young people who have personal experience of self-harm, as well as GPs, to build the COPING programme. COPING stands for 'CO-produced Psychosocial INtervention delivered by GPs'. It is designed to fit directly into routine NHS care, using simple talking techniques to help young people understand their feelings and build safer ways to handle difficult moments.
Before launching a massive trial across the entire country, researchers need to know whether the programme works in everyday practice. This study checks whether GP surgeries can deliver the sessions successfully, whether young people find the appointments helpful, and how best to collect study information. What researchers learn here will guide future NHS mental health support for young people.
Key takeaways
- The study tests COPING, a brief GP-led talking approach for young people who self-harm.
- Support consists of two 10-minute appointments with a trained family doctor.
- Open to people aged 16 to 25 who have self-harmed in the last 12 months.
- Taking part involves two GP sessions, three questionnaires, and an optional feedback interview.
- Participation is entirely voluntary and does not involve any medication.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to young people aged 16 to 25 who have harmed themselves at least once in the past 12 months. To join, your GP surgery must be one of the practices taking part in the study, and you must be able to understand the study details and decide for yourself to join.
This trial is not suitable for people who are in an immediate mental health crisis or who need urgent hospital care to stay safe. It is also not open to anyone currently receiving psychological therapy (such as NHS talking therapies or private counselling), as researchers need to see the specific impact of the GP sessions on their own.
Finally, the study cannot include young people with moderate to severe learning disabilities, or those currently experiencing a psychotic illness, as they require different specialist care.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am between 16 and 25 years old.
- I have self-harmed in the past 12 months.
- My GP surgery is participating in the COPING study.
- I am not currently receiving counselling or NHS talking therapies.
- I am not currently experiencing an immediate crisis that requires urgent hospital care.
What does participation involve?
If you take part, your care will be based at your local GP surgery. You will attend two 10-minute appointments with a GP who has been specially trained in the COPING approach. During these sessions, you and your doctor will talk through what you are going through and explore practical coping steps to help keep you safe. No new medications are involved.
Over the course of the study, you will be asked to fill in three follow-up questionnaires about your health, feelings, and well-being. You may also be invited to an optional interview to share your honest thoughts on what worked well and what could be improved. You will receive a 'Staying Safe Sheet' with contact details for free, confidential support services you can reach out to at any time. The study will run until July 2025.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- NIHR CRN: West MidlandsCity onlyWolverhampton, England
Common questions
Does this trial involve taking any medicine?
No. The COPING study does not test any medication. It is entirely a brief talking approach focused on practical coping techniques.
Will my parents or family be told what I say?
Your appointments and research answers are confidential, just like normal GP visits. Information would only ever be shared if a doctor or researcher believes you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Can I still take part if I am already seeing a counsellor?
No. If you are currently receiving regular psychological therapy or NHS talking therapies, you cannot join this particular study, as researchers need to test the COPING programme on its own.
What happens if I feel worse during the study?
Your safety comes first. All participants receive a Staying Safe Sheet with free crisis contacts. If study surveys show you are in distress, your GP will be notified promptly to support you.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes. You can leave the study at any point without giving a reason. Leaving will not change your relationship with your GP or the medical care you normally receive.
How to find out more
Faraz Mughal
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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