A new online resource has launched to help professionals respond with confidence and compassion when a child or young person is experiencing, or at risk of, self-harm.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Self-Harm Professional Resource Hub provides clear, practical guidance for anyone who works with or regularly comes into contact with children and young people.
Self-harm remains a significant concern across Cheshire and Merseyside. In 2022/23, there were 434.5 hospital admissions for self-harm per 100,000 children and young people aged 10 to 24, around 30% higher than the England rate. Hospital admissions don’t represent the full scale of self-harm, many children and young people and their families struggle alone without support.
Behind these insights and statistics are many young people experiencing significant emotional distress, as well as families and carers who may feel frightened, upset or unsure where to turn.
The new hub aims to make sure that children, young people and their families receive a compassionate and helpful response from the professionals they trust.
It has been developed through the Beyond Children and Young People Transformation Programme and Merseyside Youth Association’s RAISE Mental Health Promotion Team, working with NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and Liverpool City Council.
The hub is designed for everyone who works with or regularly supports children and young people, including staff in schools, health and social care, youth and family services, emergency services, transport and community organisations.
Professionals do not need formal mental health training to use the resource. It offers simple and practical guidance to help them understand self-harm, recognise when a young person may need support, begin a sensitive conversation and help them access appropriate care. Many people working with children and young people will encounter self-harm and may feel unsure how to help, this resource aims to give people the confidence and tools to reach out, make a difference and connect children and young people with the information, advice and help that they need.
The hub includes advice on talking to children, young people and their families, practical ways to provide support and information about what to do when somebody may be in crisis. It also provides details of 24-hour crisis services, basic first aid guidance and further resources for young people, families and professionals.
Children and young people reviewed the content and shared their thoughts and experiences during its development. This has helped ensure that the guidance reflects what young people need from the adults supporting them.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:
“Finding out that a child or young person is self-harming can be incredibly upsetting for their family and the people who care about them. They will want to help but may not know what to say or where to turn.
“The rate of hospital admissions across Cheshire and Merseyside shows how important it is that children and young people receive understanding and appropriate support as early as possible.
“This new hub will help the professionals, and trusted adults, families rely on to listen without judgement, respond with compassion and help a young person find the right support.”
Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, said:
“Self-harm can be a sign that a child or young person is experiencing significant emotional distress. Behind these figures are individuals who deserve to feel heard, understood and supported.
“Professionals do not need to be mental health specialists to make a positive difference. Staying calm, listening and responding with kindness can be an important first step.
“By providing clear and consistent advice, this hub will help children and young people receive a compassionate response wherever they first seek support.”
The Cheshire and Merseyside Self-Harm Professional Resource Hub is now live and free to access on the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside website.
Further support
- Anyone who requiring urgent mental health support should dial NHS 111 and select the mental health option
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, dial 999 or attend the
irnearest A&E.
- Information about urgent and 24-hour crisis support is also available through the hub.
- Home – Liverpool CAMHS – For more information about mental health support for children and young people in Liverpool.
- Home – Kind to your mind Liverpool – For more information about mental health support for adults in Liverpool.
