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Dear Parents and Carers,
There are many reasons why a child may choose to self-harm. It may be a coping mechanism, to manage their distress or feelings, or as a way of release. It may be for control, a distraction, a form of communication or as self-punishment.
It is important that we talk about self-harm and that we don’t ignore or avoid the subject. Broaching the subject of self-harm with a child, who you think may be self-harming can feel overwhelming. However, it is important that we do talk about it.
This term's spotlight focuses on self-harm behaviours and includes a number of links to sign-post you to support. If you see any signs of a child self-harming, seek advice immediately through the the school's safeguarding team, the GP and in an emergency, visit A&E.
We know talking about self-harm can be very difficult. We want to help you feel more comfortable having conversations and making decisions that are right for you and your family.
Mrs Campbell
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
SPOTLIGHT ON SAFEGUARDING
NHS
NHS Support 111 option 2, now known as NHS 111 Mental Health, is a contact number for mental health crisis support. Its a single point of contact for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and provides access to trained mental health professionals. The service is available 24/7 and can be accessed by calling 111 and selecting the option for mental health crisis. Call 999 or attending A&E in the event of a mental health emergency:
- If the young person’s life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose
- Adults are concerned that they are unable to keep the young person safe.
CAMHS
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services –provides advice and support to children, young people and families who are in need of support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.
Alumina
Free, online 7 week course for young people aged 10-17 struggling with self-harm. Each course has up to 8 young people, accessing the sessions from their own devices across the UK. The courses take place on different evenings of the week and are run by friendly, trained counsellors and volunteer youth workers. Click HERE.
CALM HARM App
The app is free to download and was created to be used by young people who are self-harming. The app is designed to reduce the level of self-harm and even prevent an episode of self-harm by providing delay tactics when the young person has the urge. Click HERE.
Kooth
Online emotional wellbeing and mental health support service for young people aged 10-25. Click HERE
ChatHealth
NHS – messaging service, hear back within 24 hours from trained health professionals. Click HERE.
Childline
0800 1111 1-2-1 counsellor chat. Calming activities, games, videos and art box. Click HERE
Better U App
The app is a free, ad-free mental health support app created to help young people manage their well-being. Users can journal, create affirmations, and access self-help tools. Click HERE
Young Minds
Free Parents Helpline. Tips and advice for parents/carers and children for looking after their mental health. Crisis Messenger Service for young people to help with urgent issues such as : suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying or relationship issues. Click HERE.
During this busy term the Safety Squad have still been working together behind the scenes.
Our focus has been on Online safety where the children were surprised by some of the age limits on popular social media sites. We have discussed why age limits exist and look at sharing this with the wider school community next term.
One main site that many of our pupils use is Minecraft and the children have asked to share this information sheet below with you. Please take a moment to share this with your children.
If you have any questions about this or anything else then please feel free to ask.
Mrs Tina Foster
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
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