Self-Harm Network Scotland has been providing support to thousands of people

Since the launch of Penumbra Mental Health’s Self-Harm Network Scotland two years ago, our team has provided support to thousands of people around the country.

Self-Harm Network Scotland provides self-harm support for people aged 12+ in Scotland and works together with the Scottish Government in delivering their self-harm strategy and action plan.

As well as offering support via our website, our team of peer practitioners provide ongoing one-to-one support sessions (delivered via video, phone calls and text).

All our peer practitioners have lived experience of self-harm, and they work with each individual to find their own way forward. They bring an understanding of what people who live with self-harm might be experiencing, and offer a safe, non-judgemental space where people can talk openly and explore how they are feeling.

Our recently published Impact Report contains key information about the service, covering the period April 2023 – March 2024. During this time, 87% of people who provided end of service feedback after receiving one-to-one support had stopped or reduced self-harming and found other ways to cope.

Here’s a quote from somebody who received one-to-one support (but has asked to remain anonymous): “You’ve brought some blue sky into my life again when all I saw at the beginning was black clouds. I will always remember how much of an impact you have made to my life.”

Self-Harm Network Scotland’s website, which launched in March 2023, was created with and by people who have lived experience of self-harm. They helped us to think about what good, compassionate support looks and feels like. The website has a range of recovery-focused support, tools, and information that anyone can access to enable people to support themselves and others. There are sections for people who self-harm, for people who support someone who self-harms, and for professionals working with someone who self-harms.

We also run a unique live webchat on our website, where people in need of more immediate support for their self-harm and distress can chat to one of our team. The webchat is available every evening, between 6pm – 10pm.

Since launching in October 2023, the webchat service has supported hundreds of people with their self-harm. In total, 75% of those who left feedback after using the webchat described the conversation they had as ‘very helpful’ (Impact Report, 23-24).

We are passionate about raising awareness and reducing stigma around self-harm. That’s why our training team deliver free self-harm awareness training to anyone that’s interested in learning more about self-harm. Public awareness and professionals self-harm training sessions are available. Click here to find out more about self-harm awareness training.

Our impact report shows that 98% of the 269 professionals who gave feedback agreed that they had a better understanding of self-harm as a coping strategy thanks to our self-harm awareness training.

If you, or anyone you know, are looking for support with your self-harm, please visit our website.

Tina Koenig is communications lead for Self-Harm Network Scotland. 

Self-Harm Network Scotland is part of Penumbra Mental Health, a pioneering charity supporting people on their journey to better mental health. The power of people’s lived experience enables us to provide pioneering services that transform lives.