Self-harming refers to when a young person deliberately hurts themselves as a way to cope with emotional pain, overwhelming stress, trauma, or mental health struggles. It is often a sign of underlying distress and not usually a suicide attempt, but it can increase the risk of serious injury or suicide if not addressed. Common forms include: Cutting or scratching the skin Hitting or punching oneself Burning Pulling out hair Misusing substances or medication Agape4All’s approach to self-harming: Treat all disclosures or signs of self-harm with empathy and without judgment Record and report concerns through safeguarding protocols Engage the young person with appropriate mental health support, such as CAMHS or in-house therapy Work in partnership with external agencies and families (where appropriate) Ensure staff are trained in trauma-informed care and risk management