Suicide & Self-harm
Suicide is the main cause of death in young people under the age of 35 in the UK, with over 200 teenagers losing their life to suicide every year. However, research indicates that with appropriate early intervention and support, suicide by young people can be prevented. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business and everyone working with, looking after or supporting children and young people has a role to play.
In addition to the lives that are lost, there are many young people who attempt or contemplate suicide, harm themselves or suffer alone, often feeling afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling.
Any child or young person who self-harms or expresses thoughts about self-harm or suicide must be taken seriously and appropriate help and intervention should be offered at the earliest point.
- PAPYRUS– A range of useful resources for young people, parents, and professionals
- Oxford Samaritans – Call free, day or night, 365 days a year on 116123.
- SHOUT – A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope
- Childline – A free, private and confidential service for young people under the age of 19
- YoungMinds – A resources hub for children and young people, as well as parents and carers
- Seesaw– grief support for children and young people in Oxfordshire
Children and young people who have experienced a death of a parent or family member are at an increased risk or suicide. Anniversaries, such as date of death or date of funerals can be a very challenging time for children and young people who have been bereaved, which elevates their own risk of suicide. All individuals working with or supporting a bereaved child or young person should be aware of these dates, in order to provide additional support if required.
- NSPCC – Advice and support about understanding self-harm and suicide in children and young people
- YoundMinds – Advice and support for adults who are supporting a young person
- Papyrus – A support booklet for parents who are supporting a young person
Amparo – Bereavement support for people affected by suicide in Oxfordshire
- National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England: 2023-2028
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust: Self Harm Guidelines
- Oxfordshire suicide and self-harm prevention strategy 2020-2024
- National suicide data set – Office for National Statistics
- Local authority suicide data – Office for National Statistics
- Oxfordshire self-harm information leaflet
- No Harm Done: Recognising and responding to self-harm – Next steps for staff working with young people
- Seesaw Schools Pack: A guide to supporting pupils through bereavement
- Let’s Talk Suicide – a 20-minute online training
- Zero Suicide Alliance offer a range of short suicide prevention training courses – Free online training from Zero Suicide Alliance
- Oxfordshire Mind also offer free suicide prevention training to local organisations (eligibility applies) – Please contact trainingcourses@oxfordshiremind.org.uk