PEOPLE in Worcestershire are being reminded they still have time to take part in a social media campaign working to raise awareness of self harm among young people.

Earlier this month your Worcester News reported Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust had launched the Self Help not Self Harm campaign to raise awareness of the issue along with methods of coping with stress, anxiety, pressure and other problems.

As part of the campaign the organisation has called on people across the county to write how they cope with pressures on their wrists and post a selfie on Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #selfhelpnotselfharm while nominating three friends to do the same.

Selfies can also be emailed to the organisation’s communications team at communications@hacw.nhs.uk.

Figures have shown the amount of children aged between 10 and 14 in Worcestershire known to be self harming has increased by 40 per cent over the past three years, and up to 70 per cent in some parts of the country.

Community psychiatric nurse with the trust, which runs mental health and community services in the county, Nicky Ratcliff, said it was important to understand the reasons young people self harm as well as how it can be prevented.

“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.

“This campaign is about supporting young people to find better and safer ways of dealing with their issues.”

Anyone self harming or considering doing so should speak to their GP or someone they trust as soon as possible.