Changing the Stigma, East Riding

Changing the stigma. “Healthwatch wanted to shine a light on young people’s experience and perception of self-harm. What do they know, where can they go and what do they think when they hear the term self-harm.”

Methodology. Widespread distribution of a survey, which could be completed by anyone aged between 14 and 25 living within the East Riding of Yorkshire. Permission was sought from parents/carers for participants under the age of 16. Market place events at colleges and external organisations were held to ensure face to face communication with young people. One to one interviews were conducted with individuals who had experienced self-harm. The research that was carried out for this report was specifically aimed at young people from 14 to 25. The survey was open to anybody who fell within that age group.

Highlights of findings; nearly half of our young people surveyed have experienced bullying and isolation, young people understand that self-harm is a result of more complex issues, just over 40% would not seek help of any kind, 45% would seek help with their first response being to a family member or a friend, 54% of those surveyed do not know of any services to seek help.

Recommendations; more opportunities for young people to talk about self-harm in safe and supportive settings to enable greater understanding and awareness of the issue. It is important that young people are supported and empowered to be able to ask for help when they need it. Online services are needed, specifically for the East Riding due to geography of the local area, transportation and access can be difficult. More information for parents/carers/professionals who are working with young people to enable them to better identify when a young person might be heading towards self-harming and intervene effectively.