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Self-Injury Awareness Day: 1st March


This weekend marked Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) a national awareness day dedicated to increasing understanding around self-injury and reducing the stigma that often surrounds it.

The purpose of the day is not to encourage harmful behaviours, but to promote compassion, open conversations, and awareness that support is available.

Many people who struggle with self-injury are trying to cope with overwhelming emotions, stress, trauma, or feelings they don’t know how to express. SIAD reminds us that no one should feel alone in that experience.


💬 You’re Not Alone and Help Is Available

If you or someone you care about has thoughts about self-harm, it’s really important to know that help is available and support is confidential and non-judgemental.


📞 National Support

Here are some trusted organisations that offer free, confidential help:


  • Samaritans – 24/7 support if you’re struggling — call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.

  • Childline – for under-19s, available 24/7 — call 0800 1111 or chat online at childline.org.uk.

  • Shout Crisis Text Line – text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support any time.

  • HOPELINE247 – support for young people — call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967.

  • SIFT (Self-harm support) – UK charity offering listening services and peer support for self-harm. Visit sift.org.uk for more info.

  • Apps and tools such as Calm Harm or BlueIce can also offer coping strategies and emotional support between appointments.


These services are free, confidential, and there to help even if you’re not in crisis right now.


🧠 Local Support, Blackpool & Fylde Coast

If you live in the Blackpool & Fylde Coast area, there are local mental health services and support options that might help you or someone you care about:


🗣️ YoutherapY (Blackpool)

YoutherapY offers talking therapy, counselling, and emotional support for young people aged 11–25. They have face-to-face, telephone, and video appointments, and a drop-in service on Wednesdays (3 pm–5 pm) at the Connect Centre, 26 Talbot Road, Blackpool. You can also make a self-referral online.

☎️ Call: 01253 955 858 (or 0800 121 7762, option 3)


🧠 Fylde Coast Mental Health Support Team (MHST)

The Mental Health Support Team works with educational settings to help young people with emotional wellbeing — including stress, low mood, and support around self-harm challenges. A tutor, parent/carer, or yourself can ask for support via referral.


📞 Mental Health Helpline & Talking Therapies

  • Initial Response Service (IRS) — 24/7 support if you need urgent emotional support: 0800 013 0709.

  • Blackpool Talking Therapies — you can self-refer for counselling and support if you’re struggling with stress or emotions.

  • Mindsmatter (Fylde & Wyre) — free talking therapies, self-referral available.


🌿 Coping Strategies & Self-Care Ideas

If you’re struggling with overwhelming feelings, it can help to have alternative ways to cope. Different strategies work for different people — it’s okay to try a few and see what feels right.


Here are some safer coping ideas that some people find helpful:


📝 Express It

  • Write down what you’re feeling (even if it doesn’t make sense)

  • Keep a private journal

  • Draw, doodle, or create art to express emotions

  • Write a letter to yourself or someone you trust

💨 Release Tension

  • Squeeze a stress ball

  • Hold an ice cube or splash cold water on your face

  • Do star jumps, go for a brisk walk, or stretch

  • Tear up paper or scrunch newspaper

🗣️ Grounding Techniques

  • Try the 5-4-3-2-1 method (name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste)

  • Focus on slow breathing — in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4

  • Listen to calming music or a guided meditation

🤝 Reach Out

  • Message a friend

  • Sit in a shared space at home

  • Speak to a tutor or member of the support team

  • Contact one of the helplines listed above

💛 Small Acts of Care

  • Make a warm drink

  • Watch something comforting

  • Wrap up in a blanket

  • Get some fresh air

  • Have a shower and reset

Coping strategies don’t have to be perfect — they just need to help you get through the moment safely.


🧡 You Matter, And Support Is Here

Self-injury and difficult mental health experiences can feel isolating, but you don’t have to deal with them on your own. Reaching out to a trusted adult, your GP, a counsellor, a support helpline, or a local service can start you on a path toward better wellbeing.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, please remember: help is available and support is confidential. You deserve support just as much as anyone else.



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