Guidance for people working with young people at risk from self-harm or suicide published

A new multi-agency guidance for people working with children and young people at risk of self-harm or suicide has been published by the council in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The document, the result of a working group set-up in January 2014, was launched recently at an event at the City Chambers and attended by health and education professionals who work with Glasgow's children and young people.

The main aim of the updated guidelines is to support staff across all partner agencies to provide a caring and appropriate response to children and young people experiencing a range of emotional distress and who may be at risk of self-harm or thoughts of suicide.

As Barry Syme, Principal Educational Psychologist, Glasgow City Council explains: "Our hope is that this guidance will enable staff working with children and young people to better understand self-harm and suicide, why it happens, how to respond and how best to ensure that our young people get the help and support they need."

Recent research revealed that 1 in 10 of 5-16 year olds have clinically significant mental health difficulties with referrals to the health service increased over the last few years and despite declines, suicide rates remain at concerning levels in Scotland.

At the launch professionals discussed the importance of early intervention and benefits of tackling youth mental health matters as a way of minimising potential problems later on in life.

Read the full guidelines for more information.

Contact details for further information

Barry Syme, Principal Education Psychologist, Glasgow (South) telephone 0141 276 3270 or email:  barry.syme@glasgow.gov.uk