Self-Harm

Self-harm is an act that is intended to cause harm to one-self but which is not intended to result in death. It is often described by those who self-harm as a way of coping with emotional pain and of surviving distressing experiences. It is not a suicide attempt. Read our case study about developing a sustainable model of self-harm training delivery across Education Services in each of the six Health and Social Care Partnership’s in Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Suicide and Self-Harm – NHSGGC and Self-Harm | NHS inform.

Self-harm is a growing public health concern. Self-harm is complex and it can be difficult to understand, both for the individual involved and for those around them who want to provide support. Stigma, discrimination and fear of being judged can stop people from disclosing their self-harm, making it difficult to keep records and have an accurate idea of scale. It is almost impossible to say how many individuals are using self-harm as a coping strategy, although data estimates that 1 in 6 people aged 16-24 have self-harmed at some point in their lives. The majority of those who self-harm do not go on to take their own life but a minority do and a small proportion of people who deliberately self-harm are at increased risk of subsequently taking their own life.

What’s the Harm Self-Harm Awareness and Skills Training Resource

What’s the Harm Self-Harm Awareness and Skills Training is a one day training course that seeks to standardise understanding of and responses to self-harm when used as a coping strategy. It has been informed by a wide range of existing work on self-harm from services supporting people who self-harm, research teams and those with lived experience of self-harm. The training recognises self-harm as a coping strategy, a response to distress and a means to keep living. It makes the distinction between suicide and self-harm whilst recognising that there are links between the two.

Take a look at our infographic illustrating self-harm capacity building, training and awareness raising by our self-harm trainers in 2023. Or, you can read our case study about developing a sustainable model of self-harm training delivery across Education Services in each of the 6 Health and Social Care Partnership’s in Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The NHSGGC Self-Harm Forum

The NHSGGC self-harm forum is a group of trainers who have successfully completed the ‘What’s the Harm Self-harm awareness and skills Train the Trainer course. Trainers come from Health Improvement, Education and Third Sector.

The forum meets quarterly to keep abreast of national and board developments, share training updates and good practice and develop resources. The group reports to the NHSGGC Suicide Prevention Group and local structures as required. To find out more about the work of the forum, contact ggc.mhead@nhs.scot*.

*Please note that this is a generic admin inbox and not monitored immediately. If you, or someone you know are in distress and need an immediate response call the emergency services on 999 or NHS 24 on 111.

Self-Harm Resources and Supports is a comprehensive resource for staff providing support and advice to people who may be self-harming containing information on learning, resources, helplines, websites, apps and keeping safe.

A Whole Establishment Approach to Self-Harm Training and Awareness for Early Years and Schools is a resource to support schools and early years’ establishments take a planned and co-ordinated approach to self-harm awareness and training that will help equip staff with the self-harm knowledge and skills appropriate to their role.

On Edge Learning about Self-harm

A resource pack for teachers and professionals working with children and young people (upper primary onwards). It includes teaching support materials and further information in the form of signposting to external resources and advice services, references, and linked where relevant to the Curriculum for Excellence and other national guidance. Download via the links below:

• On Edge Pack
• Updated Resource Pack Information: Please download this updated information to support with the delivery of the pack.
• Appendix 1: Policy context to illustrate On Edge links to some of the key health, education and youth work policy drivers.

Supporting Materials

• Lesson 1 Plan – Understanding the term ‘Self-harm’
• Lesson 1 PowerPoint – Understanding the term ‘Self-harm’
• Lesson 2 Plan – Dealing with Difficult Feelings
• Lesson 2 PowerPoint – Dealing with Difficult Feelings
• Lesson 3 Plan – Exploring Stereotypes
• Lesson 3 PowerPoint – Exploring Stereotypes
• Lesson 4 Plan – Getting Help
• Lesson 4 PowerPoint – Getting Help
• Videos

We have gathered a range of different papers and reports which will provide you with helpful background reading on self-harm.

• An Introduction to Self-harm: an evaluation summary from student wellbeing staff at Glasgow Caledonian University who attended an introduction session to self-harm. 
• What’s the Harm? Self-harm Awareness and Skills Training: an evaluation summary from staff at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who attended a 1 day self-harm training course.
• Self-harm Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2027: Scotland’s first dedicated self-harm strategy and action plan aims for anyone affected by self-harm to receive compassionate support, without fear of stigma or discrimination.
• Read our report:  A partnership between the University of Strathclyde and the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Mental Health Improvement Team to build self-harm capacity for local training delivery within the University.
• Hidden Too Long: uncovering Self-Harm in Scotland. A report by the Samaritans examining experiences of self-harm in Scotland, and what policy and services can do to strengthen support.
• Read our case study about developing a sustainable model of self-harm training delivery across Education Services in each of the 6 Health and Social Care Partnership’s in Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
• NHS Inform – Information about self-harm, including signs, causes, and treatment options.
• “It’s not safe and consistent”: Read our report sharing the lived experiences of young people using social media who have experience of self-harm, including the potential risks and protective factors social media offers them.
• Hidden Numbers: Self-harm in children and young people in NHSGGC.