A mental health charity has launched a new self-harm service to support over 16s, living in Glasgow, with their mental health.
Edinburgh based Penumbra Mental Health has been supporting Scots with their mental health since 1985. The charity has now launched a service to support people in Glasgow.
It comes as they try to tackle growing rates of self-harm in Scotland. The 2019 Scottish Health Survey showed that the proportion of adults in Scotland who said they self-harmed was 7% between 2018 and 2019 - compared to 3% between 2008 and 2009.
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The self-harm Glasgow network provides compassionate support, resources and information to people aged 16 and over who self-harm.
The Glasgow team of peer practitioners work flexibly between 8am and 8pm to provide one to one support, tools and techniques. Support can be in person, by phone, video or text.
Fiona Gray, who is a Senior Practitioner for the new Self-Harm Glasgow Network, has lived experience of self-harm, and was herself supported by a professional many years ago.
She said: “My negative experiences are now utilised in a positive way. I share my experiences with others, show empathy, offer hope, and support others to achieve their own goals for the future.
“Our service is now open for self-referral which means that anyone in Glasgow, who is over the age of 16, can access our service for support with their self-harm.
“We want to support as many people as possible and we’re really passionate about offering confidential, compassionate, recovery-focused support for people who choose to engage with our service. We don’t just focus on the self-harm. We work with people to find out what matters to them in their lives and support each person to find coping strategies that work for them.”
The Self-Harm Glasgow Network is funded by the Scottish Government, who have committed to developing a self-harm strategy and action plan for Scotland.
Penumbra is delivering three new services, including this Glasgow service, as well as services in Dundee and the Highlands & Islands, to support people who are self-harming.
Fiona added: “Many of our team have lived experience of living with self-harm, or managing mental ill health, so they bring an understanding of what someone might be experiencing.
“I urge anyone who is in need of self-harm support to get in touch with us."
You can get in touch with the network by emailing them at SHNSGlasgow@penumbra.org.uk.
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