In June 2003, supported by Aberdeen and North LHCC, an Open Space event was held around the issues of self-harm. The event was an overwhelming success, with over 130 delegates from a wide range of agencies and organisations, as well as young people, parents and carers in attendance.
One of the outcomes of the conference was the creation of FASH – the Forum for Action on Self Harm – to progress many of the ideas and identified needs highlighted at the conference. As a result of FASH discussions, and funded by the Aberdeen Choose Life Initiative and the Daily Record, the Aberdeen Self-harm Project was opened in April 2003.
Area Served (geographical and population)
The Project focuses on the support needs of 16-25 year olds who self-harm and live in the City of Aberdeen.
Type of Project
The Project provides a non-judgemental, young people friendly and user led support service to young people who self-harm in Aberdeen City. It also explores the needs of family/carers and professional in contact with them.
Project Aims
Provide a service with which young people who self-harm will engage to help them explore issues around their self-harm thereby reducing their higher risk of suicide. The Project is committed to recognising that young people are the experts in their own lives.
Project Objectives
- Establish and support the development of self-harm support groups for people who self-harm, parents, carers and professionals.
- Bring together the individual support groups around common issues.
- Establish links with appropriate planning groups.
- Co-ordinate the Aberdeen FASH.
- Facilitate and provide training around self-harm, including supporting people who self-harm to be an integral part of the training process.
- Promote good practice across agencies.
- Make accessible and available resources for organisations and individuals.
- Liaise with other interested groups locally, nationally and internationally.
- Collaborate with local press and media to reduce stigma and inform the general population on the needs of this group.
What we do
The Project was officially launched in June 2004 and work is currently underway on establishing self-help / support and interest groups.
How do I refer?
We accept self referrals and refer from any agency or family member. The referral process is either by phone or in writing to Barbara Harrower at the address below. Click here to download a referral form.
Click here to find out more about the Aberdeen consultation questionnaire regarding young people's mental health and wellbeing.
Click here to read an evaluation of the work of Penumbra's Aberdeen Self-Harm Project.
NEXT ABERDEEN SELF-HARM FORUM
Date to be confirmed - watch this space!
For further information or to sign up for one of the support groups, contact:
Barbara Harrower
Development Worker for the Aberdeen Self-Harm Project
Penumbra
31 Summer Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1SB
Tel/Fax 01224 644 134
Mobile 07795 602 421
E-mail: barbara.harrower@penumbra.org.uk
© Penumbra, 2003. All rights reserved.
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