Self harm strategy and action plan 2023 to 2027

Guiding Principles

We have been guided by these principles while developing the strategy and will continue to ensure they are embedded in our way of working as we deliver the action plan.

1. Acknowledge and incorporate the diverse expertise of people with lived experience of self-harm and those who develop and deliver services, to create opportunities for meaningful ways to co-produce work.

2. Be informed by data and evidence, including good practice insights. We acknowledge there are currently significant evidence gaps and will strive to improve the evidence base in order inform further developments.

3. Weave the principles of Time, Space, Compassion and trauma-informed practice through all our work to ensure people are supported in a sensitive and non-judgemental way.

4. Recognise that while self-harm can affect people at any age, prevalence is particularly high in young people. We will take care to ensure that the needs of children and young people are addressed and that their voices are central to all our work.

5. Ensure that all of our work is inclusive - including how we design, deliver, and monitor the actions. This is particularly important as people who are at a higher risk of self-harm may face additional barriers to accessing the right support, including experiencing stigma and discrimination.

6. Measure and report in a way that is proportionate and transparent, and ensure there is clear accountability and oversight for all our actions.