THE amount of children aged between 10 and 14 self-harming in Worcestershire has increased by 40 per cent in the past few years.

Although this is significantly lower than the national average, with an overall increase of about 70 per cent, the organisation running mental health services in the county is holding a special event aiming to raise awareness and understanding of the problem.

Staff from Worcestershire Health and Care Trust’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service will deliver a presentation at the Self Help Not Self Harm event at the Charles Hastings Education Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital from 6.30pm on Thursday, February 12.

Community psychiatric nurse with the child and adolescent mental health service Nicky Ratcliff said the majority of the 40 per cent increase is attributed to young girls, who are generally more prone to self-harm, although national studies are showing an increasing amount of boys are also hurting themselves.

“A key reason why children self-harm is because they aren’t aware of alternative coping strategies when they feel low, stressed, worried or anxious,” she said.

“As a society we need families, friends and teaching staff – as well as healthcare professionals – to understand their responsibilities in supporting young people to find better and safer ways of dealing with their issues.”

To book a place call 01905 681 425 or email FTOffice@hacw.nhs.uk.