Self harm
Our programmes with young people who self harm aim to give a space to explore why they harm and to find alternative ways of coping.
Self harm is a common way for young people to deal with overwhelming emotions. As many as one in ten young people will harm b y the age of sixteen in the UK, with many of those going on to harm regularly. The most common way to harm is cutting, but young people may also use burning, pinching, pulling hair out or biting. The reasons for harming are often much misunderstood: it is not directly lined with attempting suicide, nor is it often a call for attention: in fact, many self harmers are extremely secretive about their activity.
LCET has developed a self harm group programme that offers the opportunity for young people to explore the triggers that lead them to harm and finding alternative ways of coping with overwhelming emotions. The groups also give a chance for them to meet other harmers and talk openly about their behaviour, often for the first time. Finding a safe space to talk is often vital in helping young people reduce or stop their harming.
The groups have received both local and national acclaim for their innovative approach and significant results. Over 80% of young people taking part stop or reduce harming by the end of the programme.
We work closely with the Local Health Authority in delivering the self harm programme, including GP's and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
We run self harm programmes across all Luton secondary schools and, where required, in other venues.
