A CONTROVERSIAL website which offered counselling to self-harmers has been closed down after a suicidal girl was advised to put her hand into a blender.

The Malvern-based internet site www.si-am.info (self-injury awareness movement), was set up to try to wipe out the stigma attached to those who hurt themselves.

An off-shoot to this, Suicide and Injury Support (SIS), was manned 24 hours a day by six people who took it in turns to "counsel" those who were considering taking their own lives there and then.

But it was closed immediately after one of the mentors, who went under the name Faithless, managed to persuade the disturbed youngster to put her hand in an electric food mixer. Worcestershire police are now investigating the incident.

Penny Broderick, of Knapp Way, Malvern, was the founder of the Si-am and SIS internet sites.

A self-harmer herself, she said she was devastated that such an "evil" person had infiltrated the site.

"The website was set up to offer help and support to people who were feeling so low they were considering taking their own lives," said the 25-year-old.

"I could not believe someone so evil could take advantage of that and tell someone to hurt themselves in such an awful manner.

"When I heard of the incident, I contacted the police immediately and closed down SIS.

"Faithless is now the subject of a police investigation."

Det Insp Graham Smith, of West Mercia Constabulary confirmed this, saying: "We have responded to concerns expressed to us regarding references to self-harm on specific internet chat rooms and, as a result, are undertaking some enquiries.

"Clearly the individuals who are engaging in this type of website activity are vulnerable and seeking support.

"We are, therefore, working with appropriate partnerships to provide suitable help and assistance where relevant and practicable."

Mrs Broderick said she and her husband Matthew were determined not to let the incident stop them from offering support.

The pair are considering reopening SIS but with strict vetting systems for 'therapists'.

"We helped dozens of people a week to feel better about themselves, and I personally received numerous letters from people who said I had saved their lives," she added

"But now they don't have that support. We were often the first step to them getting professional help.

Changes

"They often needed to talk to a self-harmer first as we know what they are going through.

"I realise changes will have to be made and we are working on ways to make sure someone like Faithless never gets through again.

"I believe we offer a valuable service and it would be a shame if this was to spoil it."