Advice to Parents and Carers about Self Harm in Children
Mrs. R. Flatman
Young people and self-harm
Information and advice for young people and their parents and carers
Levels of self-harm continues to rise amongst our young people and though a taboo subject for many,
which adds to stigma and feelings of shame, we need to understand and talk about it more if we are going
to find a way to support those affected, provide support at the earliest opportunity, and reduce the
incidence of self-harm.
The difficulty of understanding why someone may hurt themselves and fear of making things worse can
stop us engaging with this difficult issue at all.
NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care has produced information resources for young people and their
parents and carers which explain why people may self-harm, how to talk about it and strategies to help
young people manage their emotions before they reach a crisis, while highlighting sources of help. Please
share the above information with the links below on your web sites and communications with parents
and carers.
Self-harm: A Guide for Young People
Self-Harm: A guide for parents and carers
https://hub.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/mental-health/whats-new/young-people-and-self-harm/
Help is available and no young person should ever suffer alone.
Please do come and speak to either Mrs Flatman or Miss Caveney if you have any concerns about your child or would like any further support around this area. We might not always have an answer but we will always try our absolute best to support you in the best way possible.