The site, which acts as a key information resource, provides suggestions on how young self-harmers can help themselves and highlights local services that can provide support. A "what's new" section details news, policy initiatives, events and publications.
The findings of the Child & Adolescent Self-harm in Europe (Case) Study, a seven country investigation of self-harm co-ordinated by NCB's Research Department, suggest that there is a "hidden" population of self-harmers who do not go to hospital following their injury and do not tell anyone about what they have done.
"Many young people who self-harm do not confide in family or friends and they may find it easier to turn to an anonymous web site for information and support," said Dr. Nicola Madge, assistant research director, NCB.
"We hope that the site will develop into an authoritative forum for disseminating information on self-harm to young people and other groups. We welcome input to the site and encourage people to send us information on relevant events, services and other news."
The Camelot Foundation and Mental Health Foundation have recently recognised the growing problem of self-harm by launching a National Inquiry on Young People and Self Harm. Nicola Madge is a panel member on the two-year inquiry.
- www.selfharm.org.uk.
