Self Harm

Self-harm is when a person hurts themselves to cope with very difficult feelings, situations, and experiences.

Some people may harm themselves many times a day as a coping mechanism as they may feel a short-term sense of release afterwards, but the cause of distress is unlikely to go away. Many people who harm themselves may also have suicidal thoughts, but it is important to remember that there is a difference between suicidal acts and acts of self-harm.

How can I look after myself?

Recognise your triggers – This will allow you to understand your patterns of self-harm as you will understand the cause behind it. For example, keep a diary to record whether there is a particular time you’re self-harming or are you thinking about something in particular. You may also see a pattern of what happens to you emotionally and physically when you feel the urge to self-harm. For example, increased heart rate, sweating, stress, crying, or feeling out of control of a situation. This can help you intervene.

Try the 10-minute delay tactic – Tell yourself that you will wait 10 minutes to self-harm and try to keep busy during this time. When the time is up, think again, can you wait another 10 minutes? Repeat the cycle.

Distracting yourself – you may find that distracting yourself can help, this can be anything such as exercise, hit cushions, listen to music etc. The distraction should not be harmful in any other way. 

Where can I receive support?

The following resources may contain sensitive information.

Seek help from your GP

NHS Central Access Point – If you need mental health support, you can call this service on 0808 800 3302 – 24 hours a day.

The Mix – How to cope with a self-harm relapse.

Harmless – Self-harm and suicide prevention organisation.

If you are in immediate danger, please call emergency services on 999.

How can we help?

Learner Welfare Drop-Ins

The Learner Welfare Team offers a range of drop-ins including confidential 1-1s, mixed drop-ins and wellbeing walks with our therapy dogs. We will also offer specific drop-ins including Sexual Health Drop-Ins and drop-ins for our Looked After Children (LAC) learners.

Please see the current timetable below:

Day Time Type Room Time Type Room
MONDAY 8:30-9:30am Early bird Drop-in 1909 Social Space 12-1pm 1:1 Drop-in B009
8:30-9:30am Sexual Health Drop-in S006
TUESDAY 12-1pm Inclusion Drop-in S006 3-4pm Afternoon Drop-in 1909 Social Space
3:30-4:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
WEDNESDAY 8:30-9:30am Early bird Drop-in The Hub 1:30-2:30pm 1:1 Drop-in H101b
THURSDAY 11-12pm 1:1 Drop-in S006 12:30-1:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
3:30-4:30pm Afternoon Drop-in The Hub
FRIDAY 8:30-9am Dog walk and talk Meet at 1909 Social Space 12:30-1:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
3-4pm 1:1 Drop-in H101b
Group sessions
1:1 sessions
Sexual Health

Early Bird Drop-in/Afternoon Drop-in – No appointment necessary, drop by for a chat with the Learner Welfare Team and mingle with other students.

1-1 Drop-in – Confidential 1-1 session (10-minute slots) with a member of the Learner Welfare Team. No appointment necessary.

Sexual Health Drop-in – Make an appointment on the Student Dashboard to get advice and support from our Wellbeing Mentors.

Dog Walk and Talk – Enjoy a short walk around the outskirts of our campus with our therapy dog.

Inclusion Drop-in – No appointment necessary, drop by for a chat with our Inclusion Officers.

Mental Health First Aiders

We offer a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) service where students are able to call the Mental Health First Aid phone available Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30 if they feel they need someone to talk to. Our staff will support you with various issues such as academic pressure, bullying, wellbeing support, panic etc.

Please call 07483 956433 or 07483 956434 if needed.