Self-harm

It can be really difficult for someone to open up and talk about if they are self-harming. If you are concerned a child or young person in your care is self-harming, or they have disclosed to you that they are, the best thing is not to panic. You could try to find out why they self-harm (it’s important to focus on the reasons and not the injuries) and listen to them. Be prepared that the child or young person may not understand why they self harm, and may not be able to answer this question.

There are lots of places online where you can find support and information, and lots of places that young people can go to talk to someone in person. First we’d recommend that you read the Right Here mini-guide Talking About Self Harm (which includes local support services):
www.right-here-brightonandhove.org.uk/selfharm

Specific support for parents and carers:

• Royal College of Psychiatrists factsheet:
• Do’s & Don’ts for Parents:
• Right Here Guide for Parents and Carers:
• Young Minds: www.youngminds.org.uk/parents or call the YoungMinds Parents’ Helpline free on 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm)

Other useful websites about self harm:

• The Site: www.thesite.org/mental-health/self-harm
• National Self Harm Network: www.nshn.co.uk 
• Self Injury Support: www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk

Lastly, if you’d like to read some recent research into self-harm in Brighton & Hove, here are two reports:

• Right Here report: Young People and Self Harm: Perceptions and Understanding
• Self Harm Needs Assessment report