National Self Harm Network

NSHN was originally established to build a network of support groups for individuals who self harm and campaign for their rights. Since it's founding the charity has grown and evolved. The charity now focuses on support and distraction enabling people to seek alternatives to self harm. The charity aims to empower individuals to explore reasons for their self harm and to seek appropriate professional help. NSHN now equally support Friends, Families and Carers of Individuals who self harm.

As well as supporting the individual NSHN aims to raise awareness of self harm, underlying causes, triggers and the many ways to offer support. We provide training to Professional Organisations, Schools, Universities, Charities, User Groups etc.

The charity runs an online support forum serving over 2,500 members. This forum is administered and moderated by trained volunteers to maintain a safe environment where members can express their feelings and thoughts and receive help from their peers who have the greatest understanding and empathy. This forum is often the first place members have been able to talk about their self harm and being able to do so in an anonymous, understanding, non-judgmental and supportive environment encourages them to tell people in their lives that they are struggling and seek help.

• Support individuals who self harm to reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life
• Support and provide information for family and carers of individuals who self harm
• Raise awareness of the needs of people who self harm, dispel myths and combat discrimination
• Empower and enable those that self harm to seek alternatives to self harm and further help where appropriate