SAFE UK

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SAFE UK is a non-profit making voluntary organisation offering free and confidential services.SAFE UK provides non-judgemental support and advice to individuals who self-injure, their family and friends and to frontline workers.SAFE UK supports individuals to recognise the triggers behind their self-injury and explore alternative coping strategies.SAFE UK works with frontline workers to provide advice, training and support.SAFE UK liases with local agencies to provide a network of support systems through signposting to appropriate services.SAFE UK works to promote public awareness of issues surrounding self-injury and, through research and professional forums, to create a better understanding of the needs of those who self-injure.WHAT IS SELF-INJURY? Self-injury (also known as self harm) is the deliberate act of causing injury or pain to ones-self without intent of suicide.
The most common form of self-injury is cutting; although some people may burn themselves, pick or scratch at their skin, pull their hair (trichotillomania), punch themselves, ingest/insert toxic substances or objects, break bones or injure themselves through other means.
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WHY DO PEOPLE SELF-INJURE? Self-injury may be used to relieve feelings of self-hatred, anger, emotional distress, sadness or depression.
The individual who self-injures may feel the physical pain is easier to deal with than the emotional pain they may be suffering. Self-injury only provides temporary relief and does not address the underlying issues.
Research shows that triggers may include being bullied, low self-esteem or confidence, issues with culture, race or religion, abuse (physical, sexual or emotional), school or exam pressures, confusion over sexuality or problems with parents such as divorce.
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PARENTS, FRIENDS AND FRONTLINE WORKERS;DO
* Take it seriously
Someone who self-injures needs to be reasured that they are being listened to.
* Know your limits
Self-injury may evoke feelings of guilt, anger or frustration. It is a highly emotive topic.
* Gain trust
For most, self-injury is a very private act and disclosure may be difficult.
* Stay safe
You cannot stop an individual harming themselves. Ensure that proper care is taken of wounds and implements.
DON'T
* Judge
Research shows that 1 in 10 people have diclosed that they have self-injured at least once between the ages of 12 and 15.
* Patronise
People who self-injure need a supportive and safe enviroment to explore and discuss their feelings.
* Get angry
Disclosure may be difficult, a negative response may force a person who self-injures to continue in secret.
* Make it your responsibility
Those who self-injure need encouragement and support to help themselves.
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ENCOURAGE THE INDIVIDUAL TO:
*Take responsibility
Learn to recognise the triggers which lead to a build up of negative emotions that may cause the individual to self-injure i.e. anger, frustration, self hatred.
*Occupy the mind
Having a focus may aid the reduction of anxiety which commonly leads to an individual self-injuring. encourage some form of exercise and taking time out and relaxing. Dancing, writing and painting are all forms of self expression and help to expel negative emotions.
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MYTHS:
Attention seeking behaviour
Self-injury may be a way of asking for attention but it is not generally done in a manipulative way. People who self-injure do need support and attention.
Copycat behaviour
People generally self-injure because they feel that it helps to relieve a build up of negative emotions. An individual would not continue to self-injure if they did not believe it helped them.
Failed suicide
Self-injury is a coping mechanism to help an individual maintain their ability to function, it is an expression of emotional pain not an attempt to end life.
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