Self Harm / Injury Awareness (F2F)
This course provides an introduction to self-harm and self-injury, helping learners understand the reasons behind these behaviours, recognise warning signs, and respond with empathy, sensitivity, and appropriate support.
Learning Outcomes
The Self-Harm/Injury Awareness course provides learners with an in-depth understanding of self-harm, exploring what self-harm is and the complex reasons and functions that may lie behind why an individual harms themselves. Participants will develop awareness of how self-harm can act as a coping strategy for managing overwhelming emotions, distress, trauma, or psychological difficulties, helping to challenge common misconceptions and promote a more compassionate and informed perspective.
The course supports learners in recognising the signs and indicators of self-harm, including physical, emotional, and behavioural changes that may suggest an individual is struggling. Participants will explore how experiences of self-harm are unique to each person, encouraging an understanding that there is no single explanation or presentation. The session also examines common myths and attitudes surrounding self-harm, providing opportunities for reflection and helping learners develop non-judgemental and supportive responses.
Learners will be introduced to alternative coping strategies that individuals may use to manage distress in safer ways, alongside an exploration of harm minimisation approaches and what this means in practice. The course discusses how harm minimisation can support safety while individuals work towards healthier coping mechanisms, emphasising the importance of balanced, person-centred support.
Participants will also explore the links between self-harm and suicide, gaining a clearer understanding of associated risks while recognising that self-harm does not always indicate suicidal intent. The session highlights the importance of appropriate responses, early intervention, and knowing when to seek additional support or follow safeguarding procedures.
Throughout the course, learners will build confidence in approaching and supporting individuals who self-harm, developing practical communication skills that promote empathy, understanding, and trust. By encouraging reflection on personal attitudes and beliefs, the training aims to strengthen professional confidence and improve supportive engagement.
By the end of the course, participants will have increased knowledge, awareness, and confidence in recognising self-harm, understanding its underlying causes, and responding safely and compassionately to support individuals experiencing distress.
- Understand what self-harm is and some of the reasons and functions that lie behind why an individual may harm themselves
- Be able to recognise some signs of self-harm
- Be aware of alternative coping strategies for people who self-harm
- Understand why each individual self-harm
- Links between self-harm and suicide
- £38.50(LSCP Members)
- £50.00(Non-Members)
In order to attend any of these sessions a booking form needs to be completed (even for sessions ‘Free to Members’, as we need to account for room capacity and a fair distribution of free places among organisations).