Penumbra's Aberdeen Self-Harm Project

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, a development worker for the Aberdeen Self-harm Project was appointed in April of this year with a remit to:

  • 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.

The project was officially launched in June 2004 and work is currently underway on establishing self-help / support and interest groups.

Penumbra’s central philosophy is that young people are the experts in their own lives and experiences, and these groups aim to provide a framework whereby information and ideas can be shared and taken forward to develop and improve services in appropriate, client-centred way.


For further information or to sign up for one of the support groups, contact:
Nicola Thompson
Development Worker for the Aberdeen Self-Harm Project
Penumbra
17 Palmerston Road
Aberdeen
AB11 5QP
Tel/Fax 01224 596 562
Mobile 07795 602 421
E-mail: nicola.thompson@penumbra.org.uk


© Penumbra, 2003. All rights reserved.