Play tackles self-harm on stage

We're pleased to note this up-coming play tackles self-harm. We can't say how, as it's a new play, but 2 lucky LifeSIGNS members are going for free so we hope to have their review later in the year. www.solastheatrecompany.webs.com/


Click the flyer for a closer look:

What's in a name?

Have you ever wondered where the name LifeSIGNS came from, or why the 'SIGNS' part is always in capital letters? Well, it was Wedge who named LifeSIGNS when he created the organisation itself six years ago, and here's how:

When Wedge first decided to launch a self-injury awareness organisation back in 2002, he was keen to think of an appropriate name, one that would stand out and also mean something. Aware that his scars were a sign of his own struggles in life, he actually had a dream where the words 'life' and 'signs' combined to make the word 'lifesigns'. He wrote the new word down and realised it had the letters S and I within and he knew immediately that he could create a great acronym within the word.

Our name of ‘LifeSIGNS’ is therefore made up of the two words, and SIGNS is an acronym that stands for Self Injury Guidance & Network Support. This is of course perfect for an organisation that offers a wealth of information and guidance (not advice) on the subject of self-injury, and also offers a complete 'network of support' through our interactive services such as the Message Board, all our Social Networking sites and our LifeSHINES newsletter.

In six years, the names Wedge and LifeSIGNS have become synonymous with self-harm awareness. On more than one occasion I (Jules) have been at an event and upon mentioning that I am from LifeSIGNS have been told “that's great, you must work with Wedge”! And yes, it is great :)

Happy 6th Birthday LifeSIGNS!

As you know, this month LifeSIGNS celebrates its 6^th Birthday; how much do you know about our little organisation?

I remember LifeSIGNS back in the early days when I was a member of the first Message Board. I can't remember my username back then, but I do remember the name Wedge! Of course I never knew at the time that one day I would be working alongside the man himself, but even from the beginning I knew that LifeSIGNS was something special, and it's certainly had a huge impact on my life.

I'd spent so many years struggling with my own self-injury, but I was in a silent and lonely world where I didn't even know the words self-injury existed. It wasn't until I discovered LifeSIGNS that I realised I wasn't alone, I wasn't the only person hurting themselves, and there was help and support out there. Because of LifeSIGNS I felt empowered to face up to my own self-injury, 'come out' to my loved ones and seek support. So you see, I am living proof that not only has LifeSIGNS been in existence for 6 years now, but it has been helping people all that time too. Literally tens of thousands of people.

I've not been a constant at LifeSIGNS for all these six years. I've left and re-joined three or four times over the years. But I always felt myself drawn back, whether it was for some extra support, some ideas for distraction techniques or simply because it was somewhere I always felt I belonged and would be welcomed. The one reassuring factor each time I returned was the presence of Wedge. LifeSIGNS has changed so much over the years, but Wedge has always been here, and that in itself makes it all the more special.

The last time I rejoined two years ago, it was for a specific purpose, and that was to finally give something back to Wedge and his organisation that had done so much for me. It took me a while to persuade him that I wanted to help, but I was so proud when I first accompanied Wedge to a conference last year as a Director of LifeSIGNS and heard him speak, and I'm both proud and honoured to be here now working alongside him for LifeSIGNS as we celebrate our Sixth Birthday.

Thank you LifeSIGNS and, more importantly, thank you Wedge – for without you the LifeSIGNS we all know and love today would not exist.

Please do join us for our 6^th Birthday Facebook Event – you don't have to go anywhere or do anything – it's just a show of support.

Happy 6^th Birthday and I hope I'm here to celebrate the next six too!

SANEline change their phone times

SANE is a national mental health charity which aims to raise awareness of mental illness and campaign to improve services and initiate and fund research into the causes of serious mental illness through its research centre. Information and emotional support is also provided to anyone affected by mental illness via the helpline, SANEline and by email, via SANEmail.

How to Access:

Call: 0845 767 8000 – open 6pm – 11pm everyday

Email: sanemail@sane.org.uk