Resources for: Self Harm

Self-harm is an act that is intended to cause injury to one-self but which is not intended to result in death. It is often described by those who self-harm as a way of coping with emotional pain and of surviving distressing experiences. It is not a suicide attempt. Reference

22. Breathing Space

Breathing Space

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phoneline for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 who is feeling low, anxious or depressed.

Helpline number: 0800 83 85 87

Web: https://breathingspace.scot/

Helpline Telephone National Free
21. BRAVE

Brave

BRAVE Online is a free, fun programme that helps kids and teens (ages 3–17) learn how to manage worries and feel less anxious. You go through 10 easy online sessions with cool activities that teach you how to relax, think positively, and handle tricky feelings. Plus, there’s friendly support from a therapist by email to help you along the way! And there’s help for parents too.

Web: www.brave-online.com/

Website Online National Free
24. Calm Harm

Calm Harm

Calm Harm is a free app to help young people manage the urge to self-harm. It offers safe, private activities based on proven techniques to help you ride out intense feelings, express emotions differently, and feel more in control. Designed for ages 13+, it’s quick to use anytime you need support.

Web: www.calmharm.co.uk

App Online National Free
32. Charlie Waller

Charlie Waller Resource Library

The Charlie Waller Trust offers a comprehensive collection of free, evidence-based mental health resources aimed at supporting young people, parents, carers, and professionals. Their resource library includes practical guides, lesson plans, and toolkits on topics such as anxiety, self-harm, resilience, and supporting young people during transitions. These materials are designed to facilitate open conversations and provide actionable strategies to promote mental wellbeing. All resources are available for free download, with printed copies offered at no cost up to a certain limit.

Web: www.charliewaller.org/resource-library/

Website Online National Free
32. Childline No Text

Childline

Childline is a free, confidential service for children and young people under 19 in the UK. Whether you're feeling happy, sad, confused, or worried, you can talk to a trained counsellor anytime day or night by calling, chatting online, or sending an email. They can help with anything, from bullying and family problems to mental health and self-harm. You can also use tools like the Mood Journal, Calm Zone, and message boards to express yourself and find support.

 

Helpline number: 0800 11 11

Web: www.childline.org.uk

Helpline Online Telephone National Free
43. Crisis Counselling

Crisis Counselling (Erskine Counselling)

Crisis Counselling offers free counselling therapy to children and young people in West Dunbartonshire aged 10 and over experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties. Referral through Education services.

Adults can self-refer with a cost for affordable mental health support. Support is available face-to-face or online to help with issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Web: www.crisiscounselling.co.uk/

Services & somewhere to go School Referral Local Free
46. Distract

distrACT

A free app developed by Expert Self Care and UK health professionals to support users aged 11 and over who are struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts. It offers discreet, plain-language guidance on understanding self-harm, calming activities via a “Calm Zone,” suggested self-help strategies, emergency contacts, and signposting to trusted services when needed.

Web: www.expertselfcare.com/health-apps/distract/

App Online Self referral National Free
47. DBI No Text

Distress Brief Intervention Service (Young person)

The Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) Service in West Dunbartonshire offers quick support to young people aged 14–24 (or up to 26 if care experienced) who are in distress. If you're struggling with issues like anxiety, low mood, self-harm, panic attacks, or low self-esteem, your GP or someone at your school or college can refer you.

You’ll be contacted within 24 hours and supported for up to 14 days by a friendly practitioner who will help you manage your current challenges and feel more in control.

Web: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64l1JrM8Tio

Services & somewhere to go Professional referral School Referral Local Free
68. Happy Maps

Happy Maps

HappyMaps website pools some of the best mental health resources for parents and carers, and for young people and children, in one place.

Web: www.happymaps.co.uk/

Website Online National Free
87. Lifesigns No Text

Lifesigns

Lifesigns provides information about self-injury and supports people as and when they choose to make changes in their lives.

Web: www.lifesigns.org.uk/

Website Download Online National Free
93. Minded No Text

MindEd

MindEd is a free educational resource on children, young people, adults and older people's mental health. Find information for Professionals and Volunteers, for Education and Healthcare staff working in Education Settings, and for Parents and Carers.

Web: www.minded.org.uk/

Website Online National Free
107. NHS Inform With Text

NHS Inform

NHS inform is Scotland's national health information service helping the people in Scotland to make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for. Also includes a service directory with details of health and wellbeing services across Scotland.

Web: www.nhsinform.scot

Website Online National Free
125. Samaritans2

Samaritans

A 24 hour support service for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

Web: www.samaritans.org

Helpline Online Self referral Telephone National Free
139. Self Harm Alumina

Self Harm Alumina

Free online self-harm support for 10-17 year olds. Alumina groups are online support groups made up of up to 14 young people and 2 leaders, and meet online once a week for 7 weeks. They offer a friendly, inclusive, non-judgmental space offering tools and ideas to help you reflect on your journey and what might be the next right step for you, as you move towards a life free from self-harm. You don’t need an adult to refer you or sign you up, and no-one will see or hear you during the sessions – you’ll just join in via the chatbox.

Web: www.selfharm.co.uk/

Website Download Online Self referral National Free
141. SHOUT

SHOUT Crisis text service

Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Helpline number: 85258 free text support service

Web: www.giveusashout.org/

Helpline Website Online Telephone National Free
146. Stem4

stem4 - supporting teenage mental health

Stem4 promotes positive mental health in teenagers and those who support them. Discover stem4's free guides to manage mental health issues, free supportive apps and mental health videos.

Web: www.stem4.org.uk/

Website Download Online Self referral National Free
154. The Mix

The Mix

The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile.

Phone: 0808 808 4994

Web: www.themix.org.uk/

Website App Online Telephone National Free
New SAMH Logo

Time for You - SAMH support service

Time for You is an online wellbeing support service for anyone experiencing mild to moderate emotional or mental health difficulties aged 16 and over and living in Scotland. Time for You offers access to Wellbeing Coaching and Counselling for anyone experiencing symptoms that have a limited effect on their daily life.

Web: www.samh.org.uk/about-us/our-work/time-for-you?mc_cid=00f4aeddf4&mc_eid=abf485ff65

Website Online Self referral National Free
190. Whole School Approach

Whole School Approach Self Harm

A Whole School/Establishment Approach to Self-Harm Training and Awareness for Early Years and Schools is a resource designed to help schools and early years' settings adopt a structured and coordinated approach to understanding and addressing self-harm. This resource equips staff with the necessary knowledge and skills related to self-harm, tailored to their specific roles.

Web: https://www.nhsggc.scot/downloads/wsa-self-harm-feb2023/

Download Online Self referral National Free
190. Whole School Approach

Heads Up Mental Health Support

NHS GGC information on mental health conditions, mental health advice, how you can support yourself or the people you care for, the services available to you and the range of interventions.

Web: www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/heads-up-mental-health-support/

Website Online Local Free
Self Harm Network

Self Harm Network Scotland

Self-Harm Network Scotland provides compassionate support, resources, and information to people who self-harm. They also provide support and information to friends, families and professionals.

Web: www.selfharmnetworkscotland.org.uk/

Website Services & somewhere to go Download Online National Free
Coping With Self Harm Parents

Coping with Self-Harm - a guide for parents and carers

A downloadable guide for parents and carers to help support young people who use self-harm as a coping strategy. This guide was developed from talking to parents and carers of young people and is aimed at helping parents, carers, other family members and friends cope when a young person is self-harming. It includes
information on the nature and causes of self-harm, how to support a young person when facing this problem and what help is available.

Web: https://www.psych.ox.ac.uk/files/news/copy_of_coping-with-self-harm-brochure_final_copyright.pdf

Download Online National Free
Sowing Seeds

Sowing Seeds: Trauma Informed Practice for Anyone Working with Children and Young People

This animation was developed by NHS Education for Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government. It is designed to be relevant to all workers within the Scottish workforce who work with children and young people. It aims to support staff to understand the impact of trauma and to know how to adapt the way they work to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people affected by trauma.

Web: https://vimeo.com/334642616

Website Online National Free
106. NHSGGC Healthy Minds

Online Harms - Introduction

An introductory module for staff groups to gain a broader knowledge and understanding of the prevalence and impact that harmful online behaviour and content can have on individuals as well as groups with protected characteristics; and be able to respond by signposting to appropriate help and resources.

Currently a NHS Learnpro account login is required to access 

Web: https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnhs.learnprouk.com%2Flms%2Flogin.aspx&data=05%7C01%7CLauren.McLaughlin%40ggc.scot.nhs.uk%7C2f444d795fbb41022b4408dbda293212%7C10efe0bda0304bca809cb5e6745e499a%7C0%7C0%7C638343642686827970%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=17fxj8zOkL3CNhBKbLYEhp00rItBm3Bs9oqPiGJR9b8%3D&reserved=0

Website Online Local Free
Mentor Scotland

Mentor Scotland

A peer-to-peer support group for everyone aged 16+, offering a safe, non-judgmental space for people to share their experiences and help break the stigma attached to mental health. Their aim is to connect individuals in a community, providing a supportive environment where people can help each other through shared experiences.

They offer various mental health and wellbeing groups, including meditation, cold water sessions, health walks, badminton, men-only and women-only talking groups, and a friendly drop-in for tea, coffee, and a catch-up with like-minded individuals. Their Friday evening support group is open to all, with drop-in and talking groups available.

End the stigma ❤️

.

Phone: 07470 461685

Web: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086874550111

Website Services & somewhere to go Online Self referral Telephone Local Free
New SAMH Logo

SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health)

Whether you’re living with a mental health problem or supporting someone who is, accessing information about a condition is vital. SAMH provides resources, support and online information to help.

Helpline number: 0344 800 0550

Web: https://www.samh.org.uk/

Helpline Website Online Self referral Telephone National Free
Ripple Logo (1)

Ripple Suicide Prevention

R;pple is an innovative online interceptive tool designed to ensure more help and support is provided to individuals conducting searches related to self-harm or suicide. Our focus is on proactive intervention, bridging the gap between individuals in crisis and the help they require.

By installing R;pple on your device, or supporting our mission, you become a part of a movement dedicated to saving lives and promoting a brighter, better-informed conversation around mental health.

Web: https://www.ripplesuicideprevention.com/?

Website Download Online Self referral National Free
WDVAWGP Colour On White Logo (1)

West Dunbartonshire Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership

West Dunbartonshire’s Violence against Women Partnership is a multiagency mechanism that works collaboratively to provide support to all victims of Gender-Based Violence and reduce its prevalence in the area. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing Domestic Abuse or other forms of GBV, we have resources and support services in the area. You can find more information on local specialist services and national resources on our website. 

Web: http://www.wdhscp.org.uk/violence-against-women-and-girls/?

Website Services & somewhere to go Online Self referral Local Free
106. NHSGGC Healthy Minds

NHSGGC Self Harm

This page shares information on self-harm work happening across Greater Glasgow and Clyde along with some useful resources and suggested reading.

Here you can download a resource pack called On Edge for teachers and professionals working with children and young people (upper primary onwards). It includes teaching support materials and further information in the form of signposting to external resources and advice services, references, and links where relevant to the Curriculum for Excellence and other national guidance.

Web: https://www.nhsggc.scot/hospitals-services/services-a-to-z/mental-health-improvement/self-harm/

Website Download Online Local Free
106. NHSGGC Healthy Minds

NHSGGC Mental Health Improvement Resources for Early Years, Schools and Youth Providers

This comprehensive document gathers some resources listed individually on this site and more! It offers a “one stop shop” of suggested resources that can be used to protect, promote and support the mental health and wellbeing of infants, children and young people. Sections include Resource Packs, Digital Resources, Guidance and Toolkits, Planning Tools, General Mental Health Resources, Learning and Capacity Building and Staff Health and Wellbeing.

Whilst this is not an exhaustive directory, the resources included have been developed by Education, Health and National Organisations.

Web: https://www.nhsggc.scot/downloads/mental-health-resources-for-schools-and-organisations/?

Download Online National Free