Self-harm resources for parents, carers and families

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The following is a selection of information, tools, guidance and other resources about self-harm that can be shared with parents, carers and families.

General information and resources

Self-Injury: Supporting Information for Parents & Carers | C&M Suicide Prevention Partnership | A booklet for parents and carers explaining self-harm in young people and providing advice, support strategies and tools.
Self-Harm Support Booklet for Parents & Carers (Easy Read) | C&M Suicide Prevention Partnership | An easy-read booklet for parents and carers explaining self-harm in young people and providing advice, support strategies and tools.
Self-Harm Awareness and Prevention | Merseyside Youth Association | A short animation exploring self-harm from the perspective of children, young people, parents/carers, and teachers.
Stay Alive Guide | Grassroots Suicide Prevention | A guide for those at risk of suicide or people worried about someone else.
Anna Freud | Mental health and wellbeing information and resources for parents, carers and families.
Mental Health Resources | Charlie Waller Memorial Trust | Resources on everything from starting tough conversations to building resilience.
Mental Health Resources for Under-5s | Anna Freud | Resources to support parents and carers with children under 5.
MindEd for Families | MindEd | Safe and reliable advice for parents about young people’s mental health.
Worried About a Friend or Family Member? | BEAT Eating Disorders | What to do if you’re worried a family member or friend has an eating disorder.
Tips for Supporting Someone with an Eating Disorder | BEAT Eating Disorders | How to help if someone in your life has an eating disorder.
A Short Introduction to Understanding and Supporting Children and Young People Who Self-Harm | Professor Carol Fitzpatrick | A guide for parents, carers and professionals.

Tools and apps

Digital Mental Health Workbooks | Mersey Care | A collection of workbooks and webinars on managing mental health for children, young people and parents/carers.
First Aid Apps | Red Cross | A collection of trusted first aid apps to help parents, carers and professionals to act quickly and confidently in cases of self-harm.

Training

Self-Harm & Suicide Training | CAMHS & MYA | Bitesize courses for parents, carers and professionals on self-harm, suicide awareness, safety planning and crisis management in schools.
Mental Health Training for Parents & Carers | Charlie Waller Memorial Trust | Training, peer support, workshops and webinars for parents.
Disordered Eating Training | CAMHS & MYA | Bitesize courses for parents, carers and professionals on eating disorders, ARFID and body image.

Helplines and support services

Young Minds Parent Helpline | 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am-4pm) | Advice for parents or carers of young people with eating disorders.
SANEline | 0300 304 7000 (4pm-10pm) | Out-of-hours mental health helpline for young people (16+), family, friends and carers.
Harmless Parents & Carers Support Group | Group support for parents and carers whose child (up to the age of 21) is self-harming.
SIFT | Call 0808 800 8088 or text 07537 432 444 (Monday to Friday, 6pm-9pm) | tess@sift.org.uk | Free. Confidential support for anyone affected by self-harm.
BEAT Eating Disorders Helplines & Support | 0808 801 0677 (Monday to Friday, 3pm-8pm) | Webchat | help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk | Helpline options for anyone experiencing eating disorders or those supporting them.
Eating Disorder Support Hub for Family & Friends | BEAT Eating Disorders | A support network for anyone helping family or friends with an eating disorder.

More information

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How to support a child or young person in crisis

24/7 crisis support and basic first aid advice
Understanding self-harm in children and young people

Learn more about self-harm
Talking about self-harm

How to talk to children, young people and families
Strategies for managing self-harm

Practical advice and guidance from mental health professionals
Self-harm resources

Info and advice for children, young people, families and professionals
Downloadable guide for professionals

Download all the content on this portal as a PDF guide