🌟 Understanding Self-Harm: Support For Children

A Safe Space for young people🌟
💖 Remember This

"You matter. Your feelings matter. Your Life matters."

Even when things feel hard, there is always hope — and there are always people who care.

🧠 Why Do These challenging Feelings Happen?

This page aims to help you to understand big emotions

🧪 Biology (Body + Brain)

Sometimes our brains don’t make the right balance of “feel-good” chemicals.

You might feel really sad even if nothing bad has happened.

👀 Learned Behaviour

We sometimes copy things we’ve seen or been taught, even if they’re not healthy.

You saw someone else hurt themselves, so it feels like a way to cope.

🌍 Environment

Where we live and grow up affects how we feel.

Loud arguments at home or bullying at school can make you feel unsafe.

🧠 Thinking Patterns (Cognitive)

Our thoughts can get stuck in negative loops.

You might think “I’m not good enough” even when that’s not true.

💞 Attachment

How safe and loved we feel growing up shapes how we manage big feelings.

If no one is there when you are scared, it’s harder to feel safe inside.

💬 Social + Cultural Messages

The world around us can give confusing ideas about what’s “normal” or “cool.”

Social media might make you feel like you’re not enough.

DANGERS TO WATCH OUT FOR:

🔴 Cyberbullying
– Mean comments or messages can hurt deeply.

🔴 Fake Perfection
– People only show the best bits. Don’t compare your life to theirs.

🔴 Too Much Time Online
– Staying up late or constant scrolling = tiredness and low mood.

🔴 Harmful Content
– Some videos or posts promote self-harm, violence, or hate.

🔴 Online Strangers
– People may pretend to be someone they’re not. Never share your location, school, or private photos.

❤️ L🛑 SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY📱🚨OOK AFTER YOURSELF:

✅ Block, report, or unfollow people who make you feel bad.
✅ Talk to a parent, carer, teacher or trusted adult.
✅ Take breaks from screens and get outside.
✅ Use privacy settings to control who can see and contact you.
✅ It’s OK to ask for help.

🆘 NEED TO TALK?

📞 Childline – 0800 1111
🌐 childline.org.uk
Free, 24/7, private support for any issue.

📞 Samaritans – 116 123
🌐 samaritans.org
For anyone feeling low or overwhelmed.

📱 Text “YM” to 85258 – Free mental health support (YoungMinds)

🌐 The Mix (Ages 11–25)
Call: 0808 808 4994
themix.org.uk

🌐 Safer Internet Centre
Report and learn about online safety
saferinternet.org.uk

🌟 Remember:

These things are not your fault.
If you're feeling hurt inside, it's okay to ask for help.
You matter — just as you are. 💛

🌈 Other Reasons Why You Might Feel Hurt Inside

It’s okay to feel confused, sad, or upset sometimes. You're not alone — lots of kids feel this way too. Here's a gentle guide to help you understand some reasons why you might feel like hurting yourself or feel very down. 💛

💬 Big Feelings Can Be Hard

You might feel sad, angry, scared, or worried all the time.
Sometimes, it’s hard to talk about your feelings — and that’s okay.

🧠 When Your Mind Feels Heavy

You may feel very tired, hopeless, or like nothing makes you happy anymore.
These are signs your brain needs help, just like your body does when it’s hurt.

🏠 Trouble at Home

Sometimes families argue a lot.
You might feel unloved, scared, or unsafe at home.

👫 Trouble with Friends or School

People might be mean, bully you, or leave you out.
You might feel like you don’t fit in or no one understands you.

💖 Trying to Understand Yourself

You might be figuring out who you are or feeling different inside.
That’s okay — you deserve love and respect no matter what.

🎒 School Stress

Feeling like you have to be perfect or you’re not doing well enough can be really hard.
It’s okay to ask for help with school stuff.

🕳️ Feeling Very Low

Sometimes you might think things will never get better or that no one would care if you were gone.
These are heavy thoughts, and you shouldn’t have to carry them alone.

👀 Seeing or Hearing About Self-Harm

If someone you know talks about hurting themselves — online, in real life, or in shows — it might feel like an idea.
But hurting yourself is never the answer, and you deserve safe, kind help.

🌟 You Matter So Much

If any of this feels familiar, please talk to a safe adult — like a parent, teacher, or school counsellor or wellbeing office. Or call a help line made for kids just like you. You are not alone. 🧸💬

The Life Matters Wants You To Have A comforting place where you can feel safe, be heard, and find help.

💬 You’re Not Alone

Sometimes, we all have big feelings that are hard to talk about — like sadness, anger, or feeling scared. This is a place where you can learn more about your feelings and find ways to feel better. You're never alone — we’re here for you.

🛑 Need Help Right Now?

If you're feeling very sad, scared, or unsafe, it's important to talk to a trusted adult — like a parent, teacher, your school wellbeing officer, or The Life MATTERS Wellbeing Officer. You can also speak with a professional you're already working with.

You can also call a friendly helper at:

📞 Childline 0800 1111
(You can call this number anytime, day or night. It’s free and private.)

You can also contact Kooth online confidential counsellors Home - Kooth

In an emergency please call 999

🌈 Things You Can Do In The Moment

Use Your A Child’s Voice Programme Workbook
When things feel hard, your workbook is one of the things you can do to help yourself feel a little better.

Inside, you’ll find the different educational sections and fun activities to help you:

Calm your body and mind
Understand your feelings
Find the courage to use your voice

You can go at your daily own pace for commitments — this is your safe space to learn and grow.

If you're ever feeling really upset or in danger, the Safety Planning section is there to help you know what to do and who to turn to. You're never alone — there are grown-ups who care and want to help you stay safe.

📖 Read Stories

Real stories from other kids who felt big emotions — and how they found hope and support.

🎨 Get Creative

Draw, colour, or write about your feelings.

🎧 Listen & Breathe

Try our relaxing breathing exercises and calming music to help you feel better when things get overwhelming.

Click here for some relaxing music

🎮 Fun Zone

Play simple games and puzzles designed to help you relax and feel calm.

🤝 Talk to Friendly Helpers

Friends, support workers, family, friends.

💖 Remember This

"You matter. Your feelings matter. Your Life matters."

Even when things feel hard, there is always hope — and there are always people who care.

Participation

🎉 Welcome to Your Page at The Life Matters! 🎉 We want this to be a fun and exciting place just for YOU! 🧡

Have an idea for something cool we should add here? Maybe games, fun facts, art, or stories?

📧 Ask your parent or guardian to help you email us your awesome ideas at office@thelifematters.co.uk — we’d love to hear from you!

Let’s make this page amazing together! 🚀