Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD), which is also known as Self-Harm Awareness Day, is an annual event which takes place on 1st March. The aim of the day is to raise awareness about self-injury, to develop understanding and empathy and to banish judgment and fear, reducing the number of people who feel alone and suffer in silence. Raising awareness is about educating people who do not self-injure, and reaching out to people who do.

Where can I read more? You can read more about Self-Harm and Self-Injury Awareness Day on the PAPYRUS website here. PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.

Links to local resources: Self-harm has been recognised as a key issue impacting children and young people, their families and staff working in educational settings across West Sussex over the past few years. There is a lot of information and support as well as a range of resources available in relation to self-harm prevention in schools which can be accessed through the West Sussex Services for School’s website (see links below). The pages on the website are designed to inform you of the latest self-harm resources and the offers available in West Sussex which is all free to download. You can access the pages here:

• Self-harm prevention in the community: Awareness and signposting for parents and carers

• Self-harm offer to schools

• Self-harm learning networks

You can find out more about the West Sussex local offer as well as links to further national services here.