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.
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Useful contacts
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.
Harmless
harmless.org.uk
User-led organisation that supports people who self-harm, and their friends and family.
Hub of Hope
hubofhope.co.uk
UK-wide mental health service database. Lets you search for local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support. You can filter results to find specific kinds of support.
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 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
0300 304 7000
sane.org.uk
Offers emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including a helpline.
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 (text the word 'shout')
youngminds.org.uk
Provides advice and support to young people for their mental health, as well as supporting parents and carers.
This information was published in May 2020. We will revise it in 2023.
References and bibliography available on request.
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