We have observed an increase in the number of self-harm incidents being reported via out of hours and wanted to share some resources with you all which may be useful, in addition to our usual therapeutic / risk management strategies.
- For Young People - https://www.selfharm.co.uk. Alumunia is a free online 7 week course that children and young people can self-refer to. Each course has up to 8 young people, all accessing the sessions from their own phones, tablets or laptops across the UK. The courses take place on different evenings of the week and are run by friendly, trained counsellors and volunteer youth workers. No-one will see or hear the young person during the sessions – they just join in via the chatbot. There is an information sheet available here Alumina.pdf (selfharm.co.uk). Eagals will be sharing details of this service in our forthcoming Newsletters to young people.
- Young peoples voices around why they self-harm and some myth busting can be found here Ten things I wish people knew about self-harm | YoungMinds - a really good read for all working in the field including Foster Parents
- Guide for Carers - copy_of_coping-with-self-harm-brochure_final_copyright.pdf (oxfordhealth.nhs.uk). A team of academics and clinicians at the University of Oxford and the NHS collaborated to produce this guide which has been recognised at the BMA Patient Information Awards. Worth sharing as a refresher for parents/carers.