Self-harm is a term used when someone injures or harms themselves on purpose rather than by accident.

Self-harm can occur at any age but is most common in adolescence and young adulthood.

Young people who self-harm have a wide range of reasons for their behaviour and therefore it is unwise to jump to conclusions as to why they do it. They might be dealing with lots of intense thoughts and feelings and hurting themselves feels like the only way to let those feelings out, or they might feel numb and want to hurt themselves so that they can feel something.

Our training courses can help you understand more about self-harm, the signs and possible underlying causes of why young people self-harm and how to help someone get the help they need.