Youth self-harm guide to launch in Baldivis

Tuesday, 13 August 2019 09:08

By Hannah Salt

PIC: WA Primary Health Alliance/Facebook

A guide for parents and carers to help youth cope with self-harm will be launched in Baldivis on Wednesday.

The resource will provide practical information to support a young person who is self-harming, how to manage their injuries and implement coping strategies.

An expert panel discussion and film screening will also be available to the public.

The guide has been co-developed by parents and carers of youth, as well as young people themselves.

Head of Suicide Prevention Research at Orygen Associate Professor Jo Robinson said parents will have the opportunity to learn what support and services are available locally, and to understand that they’re not struggling alone.

“Unfortunately self-harm is increasing amongst young people in our community and often those young people don’t seek professional help, so parents are really an important source of support,” Professor Robinson said.

“There’s a lot of shame and stigma that surrounds self-harm so we’re often afraid to ask young people if they are engaging in this type of behaviour.

“I’d really like to encourage parents out there if you are worried about your young person it’s absolutely fine to ask them if they are engaging in self-harm and to ask them how they’re travelling.”

The guide will be launched by the WA Primary Health Alliance and the Orygen National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and will be available online after the launch.

To register for this event, visit https://www.cognitoforms.com/WAPrimaryHealthAlliance/CopingWithSelfharmLaunchAGuideForParentsAndCarers?fbclid=IwAR2SfXdZhMc1aGCiJHnbrFR_r6VxjXKBVrnv_M0MGcDAxF1ZWkyIFH5hoaI.

Details of the event:

Date: Wednesday 14 August 2019

Time: 6-8pm

Location: Mary Davies Library and Community Centre – Honeyeater Room, 17 Settlers Ave, Baldivis