Mental Health: Self-harm

Support services focusing on self harm. We strongly encourage you to talk to your local doctor or a mental health professional about your difficulties as the information provided in the resources are NOT a substitute for a proper diagnosis or treatment by an appropriate health professional.

• Harmless is a user-led organisation providing a range of services about self harm including support, information, training and consultancy to people who self harm, their friends and families and professionals.
• The National Self-Harm Network: A forum and resources for those who self-harm and their families – and for professionals who support them. Tips on what to do or say and what not to do or say if you are supporting someone who self harms. Advice on the use of distractions if a person is trying not to self-harm. Tel: 0800 622 6000 (7-11pm).
• Recover Your Life: Internet self harm support community. It also provides support for any emotional problems, in addition to self-harm.
• TESS self harm support: Text and web-based chat support service for women in the UK affected by self harm. Open Sunday-Thursday, 7-9pm. Text us on 07800 472908
• CASS Self Injury Helpline: CASS Women’s Self-Injury Helpline is for women of any age and background affected by self-injury, whether their own or that of a friend or family member. All calls are answered by female volunteers who have received specialist training. You can talk about anything you want to and we won’t tell anyone you called unless you tell us exactly where you are and that you are currently at risk of harm. You don’t have to be in crisis or distress at the time you call, and you can talk to us for up to half an hour each time we are open. Call 0808 800 8088 for FREE. Tuesday to Thursday evenings from 7-9.30pm
• DistrACT is a free app available on Apple and Android. It gives people who self harm and may feel suicidal quick, easy and discreet access to information and advice, so they can manage difficult feelings, cope with a crisis and find help and support.
• Calmharm, available on Apple and Android, provides tasks to help you resist or manage the urge to self harm.