Page 15 - Guidance for Schools, Colleges, and Youth Services :: Portus

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Peer group support Training for Staff
It is important to encourage students to let staff Staff are recommended to regularly access training
know if one of their friends is in trouble, upset or on self-harm and suicide prevention.
showing signs of self-harming behaviour. Friends Staff supporting students with self-harm should take
can worry about betraying confidences so they need the opportunity to attend training days on Mental
to know that self-harm can be very dangerous and Health First Aid, self-harm and suicide prevention
that by seeking help and advice for a friend they are as well as obtain relevant literature including this
taking responsible action and being a good friend. resource and pathway.
They should also be aware that their friend will be
treated in a caring and supportive manner. Many schools/colleges will struggle to release staff
for training, but it is vitally important that staff
The peer group of a student who self-harms may feel confident to support students experiencing
value the opportunity to talk to a member of staff psychological distress.
either individually or in a small group.
Supporting Staff

Staff giving support to students may experience all
sorts of reactions to this behaviour in students (e.g.
anger, helplessness, rejection); it is helpful for staff to
have an opportunity to talk this through with Mental
Health Leads, Mental Health Support Teams and
members of the Senior Leadership Team.

Managing PE/Sport Lessons

Students who self-harm should be actively
encouraged to participate in sport. PE/Sport
colleagues may need to be aware of the self-harm
so that adjustments to normal clothing guidelines
can be applied such as wearing a long sleeve top and
alternative changing areas.

Portus - A Safe Space - Guidance on Self-harm and Suicide Prevention for Schools, Colleges and Youth Services.
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