If you are supporting a young person who self harms or has been through sexual exploitation or abuse, it is important that you access the information and support that you need so that you can help them to stay safe from harm.
If they are self harming, the following tips may be useful:
Do
React calmly without anger or judgement – talk honestly about the effect their self harm may have but in a way that shows compassion
Talk to them when they feel like self harming and try to understand their feelings
Help them to think about their self harm not as a shameful secret but as a problem to be sorted out together
Find out about getting help and encourage them to get support – maybe go with them to see someone
Make sure that you talk to your supervisor or someone close to you so that you get some support
Don’t
Expect them to stop overnight – it’s difficult and takes time and effort
Become too controlling or make them promise to stop as a condition of your support – provide structure
Make yourself responsible for their self harm or become the person who is supposed to stop them You can find out more about our services here and how to refer a young person here.
Resources for School Staff
Service information
We are accepting referrals. There is a waitlist for therapy and if we are unable to provide a space in 6-8 weeks we will review and may discharge. See our Signposting page for other suitable services.
Spaces are available in our Peer Support and Art Therapy Groups, and we will prioritise therapy spaces for group members where appropriate.
If you need to speak with someone now, call Childline 0800 1111 and someone will listen. Over 18? Call Samaritans 116 123. (Both are FREE)
If it is an emergency, call 999. Last updated 02/09/2024.
Self Harm and Disordered Eating Peer Support
Young women and female to male or non-binary transgender young people ages 14-17 years can join our weekly group. The group is held weekly on Tuesdays after school at 4-6pm in the wïsh centre.
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Safe to speak
Long term individual psychotherapy for young people ages 13- 21 who are self harming. Young people need to be attending a Harrow school or be able to come to the wïsh centre for sessions.
Limited spaces available.
Art Therapy Group
Weekly art therapy peer support group for young people ages 17-21 years with mental health vulnerabilities to develop new skills, friendships and confidence. The group is held weekly on Wednesdays 4-6pm at the wïsh centre.
New group starting 02 October 2024
Outreach
Up to 3 sessions with our Youth Support Worker to explore the best options for you or for the young person and help them engage with the wïsh centre or other services. Young people can be seen in school or at the centre.
We will not accept a referral if:
- The young person hasn’t consented
- The young person is currently using class A drugs
- The young person has a recent history of violence or exploitation of others
Acceptance of a referral for a young person who has made a recent suicide attempt or who is currently involved in high risk CSE will be dependent on the outcome of our risk assessment.