Promoting children’s health and wellbeing is a core part of safeguarding. When children are physically healthy, emotionally supported and developing well, they are better protected from harm. Safeguarding guidance highlights that preventing impairment of a child’s health and development is a key part of keeping them safe.
Healthy environments — at home, in school, and in the community — help children build resilience, feel secure, and access positive opportunities. These factors reduce vulnerability and support better long‑term outcomes.
What do we mean by mental health?
Mental health – sometimes called emotional health or wellbeing – is something everyone has. It influences how we think, feel and behave, and affects how we handle stress, build relationships and make everyday choices.
Our mental health can change over time. Just like physical health, we can experience periods of mental ill-health, but support is available when this happens.
Mental health problems occur when these difficulties begin to affect how we think, feel and cope with daily life, including family relationships, school, friendships or the wider world.
What can I do?
There are simple steps you can take to support your mental health:
Where can I get help and advice?
If you’re worried about your own mental health or someone else’s, speak to a trusted adult such as a family member, teacher, doctor, school nurse or counsellor. They can help you find the right support.
CAMHS also offer helpful information and tips for managing common challenges you may be experiencing.
Other organisations that can support you include:
People of all ages may use self-harm as a way of coping with overwhelming thoughts, feelings, or experiences. Although it is often associated with young people, anyone can struggle in this way. If you are using self-harm to manage difficult emotions, you are unlikely to be the only one in your class, friendship group, or community who feels this way.
Self-harm describes any action that causes you injury or puts you in harm’s way. It is sometimes referred to as self-injury.
Common forms of self-harm may include:
Other behaviours that may be a form of self-harm include:
Risky behaviours young people may use to cope include:
Why people may self-harm
People describe self-harm as:
There is no single reason why people self-harm. Everyone’s experience is different.
Self-harm and safety
Self-harm is not the same as wanting to end your life. However, some methods can be extremely dangerous, and accidental death can occur. Knowing when to ask for help or seek urgent medical treatment is really important.
Cutting:
Deep cuts or cuts in certain areas of the body can be very dangerous. If a cut will not stop bleeding or is deep, you may need stitches or medical care. You can go to your local A&E or, for less severe injuries, an NHS Walk‑in Centre.
Overdoses:
Any overdose is dangerous. Even if you have taken the same tablets before, the effects can be different each time. Damage inside the body is not always immediately obvious. You should always tell someone and seek medical help, even if you feel okay. A&E staff can assess what you have taken, provide treatment, and help you access further support.
Getting support
If you’re finding life difficult or want to talk about your self-harm, there are people who can help.
Samaritans
Provides emotional support 24/7
Tel: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Web: samaritans.org
Papyrus UK
Support for people under 35 with suicidal thoughts, and for anyone worried about a young person
Open 10am–10pm weekdays, 2pm–10pm weekends & bank holidays
Tel: 0800 068 41 41
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Text: 07786 209697
SANEline
Emotional support for mental health difficulties
Open 4.30pm–10.30pm daily
Tel: 0300 304 7000
Web: sane.org.uk
Shout
24/7 text support from trained volunteers
Text SHOUT to 85258
Web: giveusashout.org
