Recognising and responding to self-harm in schools
We have collaborated with researchers at the University of Cambridge who have created a new online resource, SORTS, about self-harm. SORTS stands for Supportive Response to Self-harm. The resources include training and information to help school staff recognise and respond to young people who self-harm. It is aimed at all staff working in schools, including those in admin, support and teaching roles.
E-learning module
Introduction to self-harm in schools
The SORTS e-learning module is designed to give school staff the essential knowledge and skills they need to offer a supportive response to students who self-harm.
Who is it for?
The training is aimed at anyone who works in a school and who wants to know what self-harm is, why it happens and how to have a conversation with a student about self-harm.
What you’ll learn:
The training will take you through:
- different behaviours that are classified as self-harm
- thoughts and feelings that can cause self-harm behaviours
- video scenarios showing less and more supportive ways to respond to a student
- phrases to model how you can talk to a student you’re worried about
- opportunities to reflect on how supporting students affects your wellbeing
At the end of the course, you’ll get a continuing professional development (CPD) certificate to download.
How long will it take:
This is a short online course that can be taken at your own pace. You can choose the parts of the course that you interact with.
Resources
SORTS resources have been developed for use in schools with staff, parents, carers and students. Below, you can download them for free.
Here's how best to use them:
Information and support sheets are best displayed in a highly visible area, such as the staff room, notice board or reception area. You may wish to provide them to specific staff, students or parents and carers as part of a conversation about what support is available.
Resources for all school staff can be emailed to staff members and displayed in the staff room. They can be used as reminders following mental health and self-harm training.
Resources for the wellbeing and mental health team are designed to be used by staff with a mental health training, as part of their support to students managing self-harm behaviours.