Guidance for people working with children and young people at risk of self-harm or suicide has been published by Glasgow City Council 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 aim; 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.
Barry Syme, Principal Educational Psychologist, Glasgow City Council says: “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.”
Authors point to recent research that one in ten of five to 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.
