Services A to Z

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. For more information on self-harm visit 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

In 2024, the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Mental Health Improvement Team and the University of Strathclyde forged a partnership to implement a Training for Trainers approach to deliver What’s The Harm; Self-harm Skills and Awareness Training. The programme of work aims to ensure that anyone affected by self-harm in the University receives compassionate support and that those supporting those who self-harm feel better equipped to do so. Both organisations continue to work in partnership to monitor progress and outcomes achieved. Find out more about the work and progress to date below:

May 2024: 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 – What’s the Harm – May 2024.

January 2025: The first in a series of infographics to summarise the University’s progress since completing the What’s the Harm Self-harm awareness and skills training for training course – What’s the Harm – January 2025.

July 2025: the second infographic summarising the University’s self-harm capacity building progress to date and next steps – What’s the Harm – July 2025.

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.

For some people they might be finding it difficult to cope and may think of ending their life, if you are concerned about an individual’s mental health and wellbeing and feel they may be in distress, the GP should be their first point of contact or contact NHS 24 on 111. If you feel the individual is in immediate danger please call 999.

The topic of suicide can be emotional and triggering for some, support is always available, and you may find the below information useful.

Breathing Space

A free helpline for individuals experiencing symptoms of low mood, depression, or anxiety, and offers free and confidential advice for individuals over the age of 16. They can be contacted on 0800 838 587, 6.00pm to 2.00am Monday to Thursday; and from 6pm Friday throughout the weekend to 6am Monday.

Childline

For children and young people, for whenever they need support or advice. It is open 24/7, and there are many ways to get support. You can call 0800 1111. Other ways are set out on their website: www.childline.org.uk

NHS 24 Mental Health Hub

Telephone advice and support on healthcare can be obtained from NHS24 by phoning 111; the Mental Health Hub is open 24/7.

Samaritans

Provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair. You can contact Samaritans free by phoning 116 123 or via email on jo@samaritans.org.

SHOUT

A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text SHOUT to 85258.

Suicide is a significant public health issue. In 2023, 792 probable deaths by suicide were in Scotland. Every life lost to suicide is an enormous tragedy. And every life lost leaves devastating and long lasting impacts on families, friends and communities. Up to 135 people can be affected in some way by every suicide. Suicide is preventable and is everyone’s business.

There is a commitment from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to local action planning and delivery to prevent suicide, through the development of a Suicide Prevention Concordat and planning group structures. These include the overarching NHSGGC Suicide Prevention Group and two subgroups, Youth and Young Adults and Suicide Prevention training, where all suicide prevention developments and activity are co-ordinated.

Find out more about some of the key Suicide Prevention progress and activity across NHSGGC over the last two years here, and watch the video below:

For more information on the Suicide Prevention Groups 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.

• Suicide Alert resources: for staff working in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area to support you if you are talking with someone who may be at risk of suicide. It explains the ‘ALERT’ model and provides some ideas for putting it into practice, as well as useful information about support services and suicide prevention resources. Resources include a briefing note and a generic prompt sheet and a Glasgow City specific prompt sheet. A resource directory of mental health APPS, helplines and websites to support staff with signposting and sharing of information that is appropriate to need.
• Mental Health Pocket Guide: provides details for a mental health support organisation in each of the 6 Health and Social Care Partnerships; Glasgow City, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire. Provides helpful tips for looking after your mental health and wellbeing and who to contact if you feel someone is in distress.
• Suicide Prevention Resources and Supports: a comprehensive document for the wider public health workforce which brings together a range of suicide prevention information for staff relating to learning, resources and websites, helplines and keeping safe. The information is targeted at the Informed and Skilled levels as set out in the Mental Health Improvement and Suicide Prevention Framework.
• GAMH YouTube: GAMH and Glasgow City HSCP have created a playlist of videos called: Being there for someone at risk of suicide – A guide to taking care of Yourself and Others.
• Being There For Someone at Risk of Suicide: A resource developed by GAMH and Glasgow City HSCP which is here for people who care about someone who has tried to take their own life, or are worried that they might. If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger, e.g. has a plan for suicide and the means to carry out this plan, call 999.
• Preventing Suicide: Guidance for organisations supporting young people in Glasgow City has been developed to support anyone working with young people in Glasgow. It’s a practical resource designed to create hope and guide in responding effectively to distress.
• Suicide Postvention Resources and Supports: Suicide Postvention refers to the support provided to those affected by the death of someone by suicide. This resource provides useful Postvention information and resources for staff supporting people who have lost someone to suicide.

• Creating Hope Together: Suicide Prevention Strategy 2022 to 2032 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
• United To Prevent Suicide: is a social movement of people from all across Scotland, we are united in a shared belief that each and every one of us has a role to play in preventing suicide.
• Snapshot Exercise: The Youth & Young Adults Suicide Prevention Group carried out a snapshot exercise in 2021 with 32 stakeholders to gain a picture of youth suicide prevention supports, interventions, collaborative working, referral pathways and examples of good practice.
• NHS GG&C Capacity Building Contract Report: SAMH’s Workplace and Corporate Engagement Team worked with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Mental Health Improvement Team between April 2020 to March 2024, to deliver a variety of different training courses as part of the NHS Capacity Building Contract. The report summarises the training delivery and evaluation over the last 4 years.
• An Introduction to Suicide Prevention: read about our Introduction to Suicide training delivered in partnership with SAMH.

Mental health problems can be challenging for people, but it can be made worse by having to deal with stigma and discrimination from others, or from ourselves.

Stigma is “a social process that involves the damaging labelling, stereotyping, and exclusion of individuals or groups based on
perceived differences that deviate from dominant social norms”.

Discrimination is “a key part of stigma. It is the inequitable or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on their
stigmatised identities. It can be intentional (explicit prejudice) and unintentional (underlying in organisations and systems)”.

According to research by See Me, Scotland’s national anti-stigma programme:

• More than two-thirds (71%) of people with mental health problems in Scotland experience stigma and discrimination
• More than nine in 10 people with experience of a mental illness say that they have faced stigma in relationships with family and friends
• 1 in 3 young people in every classroom will experience a mental health problem, and 3 in 4 say that they fear the reaction of their friends.

The impact of stigma and discrimination can be wide-ranging, including making someone’s mental health problems worse and stopping them from getting support. That’s why it’s so important we all play our part to challenge stigma and discrimination.

Join See Me’s movement

There are lots of ways that you can get involved to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination. You can join thousands of people across Scotland by taking part in See Me’s movement for change. Visit See Me’s website to get all the tools and resources you might need to take action – we have listed some of them below in the ‘Resources’ section too.

Get inspired by participants in our Anti-Stigma Fund

You could also get inspiration from others who are doing great work in this area. For several years, the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Healthy Minds Network ran an Anti-Stigma Fund, inviting creative bids from organisations to help address some of the issues surrounding mental health stigma and discrimination. To find out more about some of the projects that received funding, you can read our Glasgow City-Based Case Study, or have a look through some of the other projects detailed below:

Youth Inspired – Mental Health Stigma Amongst Young People

This video was funded by the Healthy Minds Network’s Anti-Stigma Fund. It was co-produced by a group of young people who worked with Youth Inspired, formerly Youth Interventions, and a professional videographer to show the mental health stigma that they have faced.

Mental Health Stigma and Chronic Conditions

The animation below was funded by the Healthy Minds Network’s Anti-Stigma Fund. It was developed by the Teapot Trust and a group of young people with chronic physical conditions to show what it’s like to have a chronic physical health condition, and how it can impact someone’s mental health.

We have listed below a range of resources that will help you tackle mental health stigma and discrimination across the life course:

General

• Healthy Minds Awareness-Raising Resource: An awareness-raising session offering an introduction to mental health stigma and discrimination that is free to download and can be used by anyone (session number 15).
• Experiencing Stigma and Discrimination and How To Challenge it: Guidance from See Me about how to challenge stigma and discrimination, including through social contact, education, and protesting.  

Workplace

• “Let’s Chat” tool: A tool from See Me that provides guidance, tips, and scenarios for line managers and supervisors to start open and honest conversations about mental health in the workplace.

Perinatal and Infant

• Perinatal and Infant Good Practice Guide: A resource to support Health Care Workers, Third Sector Partners, and any community organisations that are in contact with, supporting and/or working with new and expectant parents. It is underpinned by the nine protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act (2010).

Young people

• “What’s on your Mind?”: A pack to support teachers and young people to learn about mental health and develop the skills and confidence to tackle stigma and discrimination in school and the wider community.
• FeelsFM: An emoji jukebox that can be used to host conversations with young people, to get their views on mental health and how to tackle stigma.

We have gathered a range of different papers and reports which will provide you with helpful background reading into Anti-stigma and discrimination.

• See Me in work e-Learning Portal: An online programme to help you understand more about mental health stigma and discrimination in work.
• The Scottish Mental Illness Stigma Study (2022): Shares the findings from a survey with adults in Scotland who identified as living with severe, complex and/or enduring mental illness where they described the ways in which they experienced stigma and discrimination in the last 12 months.
• Disabled People’s Mental Health Matters Report: A report produced by The Glasgow Disability Alliance, following receipt of funding through our Anti-stigma Fund, which shares their findings from research into disabled people’s mental health.
  

Healthy Minds

Healthy Minds is an awareness-raising resource that can be used by anyone to promote basic awareness and understanding of mental health. The sessions cover a variety of topics that can impact people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Materials include a PowerPoint presentation, speaker notes, and resources. You don’t need previous experience in training to deliver a session. They are completely free to download and adapt to suit your purposes: Healthy Minds Resource – NHSGGC.

The Mental Health Improvement, Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Training Pathway is a tool to encourage staff to progressively build their knowledge and skills relevant to their role and responsibilities in the area of mental health. The resource is not a training calendar but rather a reference and guidance document to help individuals, teams, and organisations explore potential training opportunities that are available.

There is a range of free online learning opportunities relating to Mental Health that cut across the life course: Online Learning Resources Update – Mental Health – NHSGGC

Online Harms Module: A free e-learning module that helps staff gain knowledge and resources around online safety concerns and understand how they can assist those they support in dealing with these issues and minimising their potential harm. Available via Turas for anyone with an email address. Please note that a Turas account is required, you can create an account here.

There are no training opportunities planned for the foreseeable future.