Young people and self harm

Healthwatch Solihull’s engagement with parent carer groups identified a common theme amongst parents that self-harm was a growing issue amongst their young people, and as a collective they felt support for young people and carers needed improvements. In February 2020 an event ran by Healthwatch Solihull attracted over 70 residents, including parents/carers and young people. They called for more awareness and support regarding self-harming.  They ran an online survey for people aged 16 - 25 who have self harmed or know someone who has self harmed.  72 people completed it.

Approximately two thirds of people who responded to the survey said that they would either contact their GP/Nurse or speak to a mental health professional. Although 15% said they would do nothing.

Almost three quarters of the people we spoke to said that they had tried to get support for self-harm (either for themselves or someone they know. Of those who had tried to get support, 32% had gone to their GP, 24% went to SOLAR[1] /CAMHS, 12% went to hospital or A&E, 10% went to health care professionals and 2% went to a crisis team.

Around a third said the support had been useful.

Recurrent themes included long waiting lists for support; not being taken seriously by staff in educational settings and the importance of consistent care.