Self-harm
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. Support is available for anyone who self-harms or thinks about self-harm, as well as their friends and family.
It's best to speak to a GP about self-harm, but you may also find it helpful to speak to a free listening service or support organisation.
Self-harm resources
Mind Lancashire
Mind Lancashire offers a Free virtual workshop for parents or carers who suspect or are aware that their child is self injuring.
YoungMinds
This website offers help and advice to parents and provides the option to hear from other parents who've been there.
Healthy Young Minds
This website has a section for parents and carers that helps them to support children and young people with their mental health.
Samaritans - lived experience advisors
Reflections on working as lived experience advisors, produced by advisors and researchers at Samaritans.
The truth about self-harm
A guide for young people and their friends and families, produced by Mental Health Foundation.
Lancashire self-harm safe kits
Created to support people in Lancashire who are suffering from mental illness.
Cumbria self-harm safe kits
A resource for anyone wanting to understand, and begin to find ways to manage, their self-harming behaviour.
Self-harm practice guide
A reference guide for all agencies and practitioners to support people who have thoughts of, are about to, or have self-harmed.
Multi agency CYP self-harm guidance
A self-harm reference guide for all agencies and practitioners who encounter children, young people and their families.
Self-harm CYP education guide
A pathway and practical guide which signposts professionals working with young people to the appropriate resources available.
Further information and support
These organisations offer information and support for anyone who self-harms or thinks about self-harm, or their friends and family:
- Mind – call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 (9am to 6pm on weekdays)
- Harmless – email info@harmless.org.uk
- YoungMinds Parents Helpline – call 0808 802 5544 (9.30am to 4pm on weekdays)
- National Self Harm Network forums
- Health for Teens – self-harm information and advice
If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or are supporting someone else, the Staying Safe website provides information on how to make a safety plan. It includes video tutorials and online templates to guide you through the process.
If you are in crisis and need help and support straight away you can:
- call the mental health crisis line on 0800 953 0110,
- contact the wellbeing helpline and texting services on 0800 915 4640 or by texting 'Hello' to 07860 022846 or,
- dial 999 if you have harmed yourself.
For more information please visit the crisis support page.