Self-harm workforce development project
Self-harm is a significant challenge for both public health and clinical health. Although self-harm can occur across all demographics, it is particularly common among adolescents.
In September 2022, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued new guidance on identifying and helping to manage self-harm. This was the first update in over a decade and for the first time included advice or education.
In response, the Bracknell Forest public health team funded a project to support those working with children and young people locally, to better understand and respond to self-harm. The self-harm workforce project was delivered in partnership with Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley, and the department of psychiatry at the University of Oxford.
The project used a number of methods to gather information and understand local needs, including:
- workforce survey
- reflection sessions
- review of the grey literature (for example, research reports or guidance papers)
- review of local data
The project has produced a number of insights and has highlighted tangible recommendations for consideration.
Read the executive summary here
Read the full report here.
Watch our webinar presenting the findings and recommendations followed by a presentation from Marie Duffield, service manager for the child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) rapid response team. She shares local research into the underlying reasons why young people present in crisis. You can also download the slides for each presentation.