Potter's 'act of kindness' to break self-harm taboos

A potter is giving away 400 handmade ceramic hearts in a bid to help break down taboos on self-harm.

Sarah Cook will hand out the gifts at Nelson Trust women's shelter in Bristol on Monday, hoping people will feel the heart in their pocket and be reminded that others care about them.

Cook said lots of families, including hers, have been impacted by self-harm, adding she hoped her act of kindness would also help raise awareness.

"I think the more we talk about things, the less taboo they become. I think people could feel less alone by being given a heart," she added.

According to the NHS, external, about 10% of people have self-harmed at some point in their life.

Cook said she hoped her hearts will create a ripple of kindness as people hand the ceramics on to other people who need them.

"Even a little conversation with someone can make them think differently or lift their mood, and that could make a difference to their day.

"We know how challenging and lonely it can feel [self-harming]. Families can feel helpless, scared and individuals too," she added.

A spokesperson for charity Papyrus, which works with young people who self-harm, said: "It's important to let children and young people know that help is available."

Self-Harm Awareness Day is marked annually on March 1 to raise awareness, reduce stigma and help people around self-harm.

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