Self-harm

Explains self-harm, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. Includes tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family.

This page is also available in Welsh.

View this information as a PDF (new window)

Useful contacts

Mind's services

Mind's helplines provide information and support by phone and email.
Local Minds offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
Side by Side is our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Other organisations

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)

babcp.com
Information about cognitive behavioural therapy and related treatments, including details of accredited therapists.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

bacp.co.uk
Professional body for talking therapy and counselling. Provides information and a list of accredited therapists.

distrACT

nhs.uk/apps-library/distract
App which provides information and advice about self-harm.

Harmless

harmless.org.uk
User-led organisation that supports people who self-harm, and their friends and family.

LifeSIGNS

lifesigns.org.uk
User-led self-harm guidance and support network.

The Mix

0808 808 4994
85258 (crisis messenger service, text THEMIX)
themix.org.uk
Support and advice for under 25s, including a helpline, crisis messenger service and webchat.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

nice.org.uk
Produces guidelines on best practice in healthcare.

National Self Harm Network (NSHN)

nshn.co.uk
Survivor-led online support forum for people who self-harm, their friends and families.

Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS)

nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service
Offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. You can find services by searching on NHS UK or asking a doctor or healthcare professional for their details.

Samaritans

116 123 (freephone)
[email protected]
Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
samaritans.org

Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).

Sane

sane.org.uk
Offers emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems.

Self-injury Support

(formerly BCSW – Bristol Crisis Service for Women)
0808 800 8088
0780 047 2908 (text support)
selfinjurysupport.org.uk
Information and support for women and girls affected by self-harm, trauma and abuse.

UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

psychotherapy.org.uk
Professional body for the education, training and accreditation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Provides online register of psychotherapists offering different talking treatments privately.

YoungMinds

0808 802 5544 (Parents Helpline)
85258 (Crisis Messenger for young people – text the letters YM)
youngminds.org.uk
Committed to improving the mental health of babies, children and young people, including support for parents and carers.