There are many websites that offer support and resources for those experiencing self-harm and supporting those who are self-harming. Please see below our recommendations for apps, support services and resources.
Apps
A free NHS approved app that helps young people to manage or resist the urge to self-harm
A free NHS approved app that helps children and young people (over 4 years old) and their families or friends to manage their mental health together
Support Services
A free, private and confidential service to help anyone younger than 19 years old with any issue they are going through. They are available online, on the phone, anytime.
Harmless is a user led organisation that provides a range of services about self-harm including support, information, training and consultancy to people who self-harm, their friends and families and professionals. They provide free information, advice and offer paid-for-resources for professionals.
Kooth is an anonymous, digital platform, providing instant access to discreet, stigma-free, accessible mental health and wellbeing support through any internet-connected device for young people aged 11-24 years old.
MHST
The MHST service share self-harm psycho-ed resources and distraction techniques; Workbook from the Centre of Suicide research and links to:
National Self-harm Network - distraction
Mind’s 24/7 online community is where people can listen, share and be heard. It is moderated by the team at Mind. They will hide any descriptions of suicide and self-harm including methods, dates, times and locations, whether a young person is talking about themselves or someone else.
The Samaritans is a national charity that offers support to everyone (including under 18s). They offer a safe place to talk, anytime and in the way a child or young person prefers. Samaritans’ primary responsibility is to the child or young person – not their parent or guardian.
SANE are a charity which provide a Helpline, Textcare and an online Support Forums and blogs for anyone aged 16 years and over affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers.
SelfharmUK is a project dedicated to supporting young people impacted by self-harm, providing a safe space to talk, ask any questions and be honest about what’s going on their lives.
Self injury Support is a national organisation that supports girls and women affected by self-injury or self-harm. They provide a helpline, text and email support service for girls and young woman. They also have a host of resources in their Resource Hub including educational tools and lesson plans.
The Mix offers information and advice on a range of things that affect the lives of young people – including self-harm. They have a free helpline, online support and offer a range of apps and tools that young people can use. Young Minds recommends this site for young people aged 16-24 years.
Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity championing the wellbeing and mental health of young people. They provide free ‘No Harm Done’ toolkits, videos and guides to getting through self-harm and coming out the other side.
Resources
harmLESS (info and assessment tool)
harmLESS is a resource for those who have contact with young people who are self-harming. It is designed to help you talk about self-harm with a young person so that you can decide what support might be helpful. harmLESS is a guide. If you are still unsure or worried about a young person then phone your local CAMHS team.
LifeSIGNs Factsheet – Teachers
This LifeSIGNS factsheet on self-injury is specifically written for teachers, lecturers and professionals and is free to print and distribute as long as it is not edited or changed.
Rethink are a charity who provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems. Their self-harm page gives a range of information as well as free factsheet.
Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity championing the wellbeing and mental health of young people. They provide free ‘No Harm Done’ toolkits, videos and guides to getting through self-harm and coming out the other side.
Other
Parental Minds C.I.C – Self-harm thrive directory
A guide to mental health services for those that struggle with self-harm, or support someone who self-harms in Devon.
Royal College of Psychiatrists School/College - Self-harm Policy
This is a self-harm policy which you have been given permission to adapt for your own needs.