From crisis to care - strengthening self-harm support pathways in B&NES

Healthwatch Bath and North East Somerset researched people with experience of self-harm and their experience of care.  They spoke to 16 people.

People with lived experience of self-harm, carers, and professionals told about the barriers that people face when trying to access care.  Access to support for people who self-harm in Bath and North East Somerset is often described as confusing and emotionally taxing.

Barriers to timely and compassionate care were reported to us as including long waiting times, inconsistent information about the services and organisations that may be able to support people, and the need for those who self-harm and their loved ones to advocate for themselves in order to receive support. In some cases, individuals reported that they only received support for self-harm once they were in crisis, e.g. attending A&E for their injuries or attempting suicide. 

While signposting is common, they said that meaningful treatment is harder to access, particularly after age 18, where a clear ‘cliff edge’ into adult services is experienced. 

Once a person receives support, experiences vary widely. Some have a positive experience, with continuity of care, flexibility, and an understanding of individual needs. Others have a negative experience, having to navigate different services, poor communication, and support that isn't right for them. 

Carers also report feeling unsupported. They describe a lack of communication, clarity, and involvement during critical periods, particularly when services do not have the capacity to offer timely support where carers describe feeling like the burden falls on them.