Self-harm prevention guidance
Self-harm is when someone intentionally hurts themselves as a way of coping with emotional pain, intense distress, or overwhelming feelings.
Self-harm prevention guidance
Self-harm can take many forms, including:
- cutting, scratching, or burning the skin
- hitting or punching themselves or objects
- taking an overdose of medication
- misusing substances like drugs or alcohol
- neglecting health, such as not taking prescribed medication.
Self-harm is often a sign that someone is struggling emotionally and may not know how to express or manage their feelings in a healthier way. It can be a serious indicator of emotional distress and should always be taken seriously.
People may self-harm to:
- release tension or feel a sense of control
- communicate distress or seek help
- punish themselves or feel something when emotionally numb.
If you're supporting someone who self-harms, it's important to respond with empathy, avoid judgement, and help them explore safer coping techniques.
For guidance on how to support a child/young person who is self-harming, download a copy of the self-harm prevention advice below.
Self-harm prevention advice
Please find self-harm prevention advice for professionals, families and young people below.
If you would further information or would like the prevention advice in a different format, please contact kmicb.engagecomms@nhs.net.
Self harm prevention advice for young people
Guidance for young people
This guidance provides self harm prevention advice and information to young people.
Self harm prevention advice for families
Guidance to support families
Guidance to support families for when a child is self-harming or at risk of self-harm.
Self-harm prevention advice for professionals
Guidance to support professionals working with children and young adults
This guidance is for adults working with children and young people under the age of 18 (under 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities or for care leavers) who self-harm or are at risk of self-harm.
Self-harm for professionals.pdf [pdf] 779KB
Self-harm prevention advice for professionals [docx] 445KB
Toolkit for self-assessment based on the NICE Quality Standard [pdf] 786KB.
Training for professionals
Training for professionals
- Alumnia - This two-day course will provide you with the skills, knowledge, resources, and confidence to deliver Alumina sessions in your setting for young people with self-harming behaviour with particular focus on those in mainstream schools on the Autistic Spectrum and those young people in the care system.