Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves on purpose, usually as a way to cope with difficult situations, feelings and thoughts. It can also be used as a way of expressing how they are feeling or releasing difficult emotions that are too hard to talk about. Using self-harm as a coping strategy often only helps temporarily with how a person is feeling, which is why we will always encourage them to slowly replace self-harm with more positive/healthy strategies.

Below we have some resources that share some more information about self-harm as well as some useful distraction techniques and coping strategies. Whilst these resources are useful, if you or someone you know is self-harming it’s important that you speak to a trusted adult to get further help and advice. Whilst that might sound like a scary or nerve wracking thing to do, we know that the best way to overcome self-harm is by having the support of family, friends and professionals who can guide you through every step.

  • Young Minds - Self Harm is the UK's leading charity committed to improving the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people.
  • Childline - Self Harm is a counselling service for children and young people up to their 19th birthday in the UK provided by the NSPCC
  • Rethink Mental Illness - Self Harm offers help & support for people affected by mental illness.
  • Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress or struggling to cope.
  • National Self-Harm Network offers support forums, in a safe environment, that can help people understand and manage self-harm.
  • Support Line offers confidential emotional telephone support in the UK for men, women, children and young adults.
  • Papyrus is the UK Charity for the prevention of young suicide.
  • MindMate​ helps young people understand the way they are feeling and find the right advice and support.
  • Heads above the Waves​ a not-for-profit charity that supports young people with depression and self-harm.
  • Kooth is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.

  • Calm Harm is an app that helps young people manage the urge to self-harm.
  • Check In helps take the fear out of having a conversation with a friend who might be struggling.
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