Frequently Asked Questions
Listening Support
Peer Support
Group Support
Volunteer With Us
Gifts In Wills
Training With Us
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What is self-harm?
Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves on purpose as a way of coping with distress. It is often a response to overwhelming feelings, experiences, or situations, and can help someone feel a sense of relief, control, or release when things feel too much.
Self-harm can take many forms. This includes behaviours such as cutting, burning, scratching or pinching the skin. It can also involve things that are less visible, such as misusing drugs or alcohol, experiencing eating difficulties, putting oneself in risky situations, or neglecting physical or emotional needs.
Although self-harm can increase the risk of suicide for some people, many of the people we speak to who self-harm are not trying to end their lives and are looking for support and guidance.
Why do people self-harm?
People self-harm for many different reasons. It is often linked to trauma, stress, loss, abuse, mental health difficulties, or feeling unheard, unsupported or alone. While self-harm can increase the risk of suicide for some people, many people who self-harm are not trying to end their lives – they are trying to cope with what they are going through.
Self-harm is not attention-seeking or a sign of weakness. It is a sign that someone is struggling, and with understanding, compassion and the right support, people can find other ways to cope that feel safer and more sustainable.
What support might they need?
Everyone’s experience of self-harm is different, so there is no single type of support that works for everyone. What often helps is being met with understanding, respect and care, rather than judgement or pressure to change before someone feels ready.
Support might include having a safe space to talk about what is going on, at a pace that feels manageable. This could be with a trusted person, a peer supporter, or a trained worker who understands self-harm and its underlying causes.
Some people find it helpful to explore what self-harm does for them and what they are trying to cope with, while others may want practical support to get through difficult moments, reduce harm, or find alternative ways of coping over time.
Support may also involve help with the wider things that affect someone’s wellbeing – such as trauma, mental health, housing, relationships, finances, discrimination or isolation – and support to navigate services when these feel hard to access or overwhelming.
For many people, the most important support is being believed, listened to and taken seriously. With the right support, people can move towards greater safety and understanding, in ways that feel realistic and led by them.
Listening Support Services FAQs
Are the services for me?
We support people affected by self-harm, whether it’s something they’re experiencing personally or they’re concerned about someone else. We hear from people of all ages and genders across our services.
Who will I be speaking to?
When you reach out, you’ll be in touch with one of our volunteers who has received specialist training. They can help you explore your feelings and experiences around self-harm, and share tools and advice if that feels right for you.
We know some people feel more comfortable speaking with a woman, so every Thursday between 6 – 9 pm, our service is staffed by self-identifying women. Our support is available to people of all genders.
What can I talk about?
You can expect a non-judgemental space where you won’t be told what to do. It’s your space to use in whatever way feels right for you.
You can talk about anything you want to and we won’t tell anyone you contacted us unless you or someone else is at risk of immediate harm and you give us information that could be used to identify you or them. We will never ask for this information.
We’re here to offer emotional support around self-harm and anything else you might be going through, and you can talk about whatever is on your mind. Some things people like to discuss with us include their day, health, pets, and many other topics.
We aren’t an advice or information service, but we can support you to make decisions that feel right for you. If you want, we can also share tools and information with you. Our aim is to offer a safe and supportive environment where you can share your experiences, find comfort, and access tools to help you.
If you don’t know how to start, just say hello .
You can talk about anything you’re going through. Whether it feels big or small, clear or confusing, you’re welcome to share it.
People contact us about things like:
- Feeling low, anxious, overwhelmed, or alone
- Self-harm or thoughts of self-harm
- Relationship or family issues
- Stress at work, school, or in daily life
- Identity, self-worth, or body image struggles
- Past experiences or trauma
- Or simply not knowing what’s wrong and needing someone to talk to.
You don’t need to have the right words or a clear reason. You’ll be met with compassion, not judgment. We’re here to listen.
What kind of support do you offer?
We offer emotional support to anyone affected by self-harm, whether it’s your own experience or you’re worried about someone else.
We use a technique called reflective listening, which means we pay close attention to what you share, reflect it to you, and gently invite you to explore it further if you’d like. We don’t tend to ask many questions. We’re here to listen, not to lead the conversation.
Do I have to talk about self-harm?
Not at all. You’re welcome to talk about anything that’s on your mind.
We know self-harm is often connected to other thoughts and experiences, so if you’d rather talk about those, that’s absolutely fine. Some people come to us just for a distraction or a general chat, and that’s okay too.
I’m not sure if what I do qualifies as self-harm or not?
Self-harm means different things to different people and doesn’t have to look a certain way to matter. We’re here for anyone who identifies with the experience of harming, and we’ll never tell you what does or doesn’t ‘qualify’ as self-harm.
Can you help me stop self-harming?
We can support you with this. We won’t tell you what to do, but we can discuss your thoughts about what you might want to do next, and support you better to understand the emotions and experiences that underly your self-harm.
For more help, you could also try looking at our ‘How do I stop?’ advice and information page.
Can you provide referrals, medical help, or advice?
We can share basic First Aid resources, but we can’t provide medical help or referrals. We’re also here to talk about how you feel about seeking medical assistance, and support you through that if it’s something you’re thinking about.
We don’t tend to give advice, as everyone’s different, but we can discuss the self-help tools like our Resources and The Rainbow Journal on our website if that’s helpful.
Is what we discuss confidential?
Yes, your support is anonymous and confidential. We don’t see your phone number, IP address, or any personal information unless you choose to share it with us.
We would only ever break confidentiality if we have identifying details and believe there is an immediate risk of serious harm; in such cases, we would always expect to discuss this with you first.
Will you phone the police/my healthcare providers/social services?
We understand that you’ve chosen to speak with us, and we appreciate the trust you have placed in us. Very occasionally, we may need to contact another service if we believe it’s necessary for your safety or someone else’s, but this is only if you’ve shared identifying information with us.
How long can I talk for, and how often?
We want to ensure that everyone receives the support they need while maintaining an open and accessible service.
Phone: You can talk to us for up to 30 minutes per evening.
Text: You can chat for as long as the session lasts, if you’d like to.
Email: We reply within a week (usually sooner). If you send more than one email, we’ll respond with one message that brings everything together.
I don’t know what to say when you answer?
That’s completely okay.
We understand this might feel daunting, and there’s no pressure to say anything specific or to share anything before you’re ready.
If you’re stuck, simply saying hello is enough to get started.
Is the service for women only?
Our support is available to people of all genders whenever we’re open. We know some people feel more comfortable speaking with a woman, so every Thursday between 6 – 9 pm our service is staffed by self-identifying women.
Can I talk to a woman?
We understand that some people feel more comfortable speaking with a woman, so every Thursday between 6 – 9 pm, our service is staffed by self-identifying women. Our service is available to people of all genders whenever we’re open.
Can I discuss someone else I’m concerned about?
Absolutely. Supporting someone who self-harms can be emotionally challenging for everyone involved, and you need support too. We understand the importance of having someone to talk to about it.
Peer Support Services FAQs
Who runs the service?
Our service is run by Sift, formerly Self Injury Support, a charity with over 40 years of experience supporting people affected by self-harm. Our service is funded by the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board. Our team is run entirely by people who have lived experience of self-harm.
Is the service confidential?
Yes. Our service is completely confidential. We would only need to break confidentiality if you told us that you or somebody else was at immediate risk of serious harm.
I’ve been referred. Do I have to use the service?
No. It’s completely your choice to use our service and you can stop using it at any point.
Are you going to tell me to stop using self-harm?
No. The support we offer is tailored entirely to your needs. We understand that self-harm can play many roles in people’s lives – sometimes helpful and sometimes unhelpful. We don’t expect you to stop using self-harm, and we won’t tell you that you have to stop. But if you do feel ready to think about stopping or you’d like to talk about reducing self-harm, we will support you to find the tools to help you in that journey.
Volunteering FAQs
Who can volunteer?
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and life experiences. You may have your own experiences of self-harm or mental ill health, or simply be keen to learn more about how to support others through these experiences.
How can I apply to become a volunteer?
Our Helpline and Text Volunteers offer vital support both remotely across the UK and from our Bristol office.
1. Fill out the short form for the type of volunteering you’d like to apply for (see further up the Volunteers page).
2. Once your application has been received, we’ll be in touch to arrange an informal interview and next steps.
We offer training a number of times throughout the year so register your interest now to find out about upcoming opportunities. Please be aware that there may be a wait time before we respond.
What training will I receive?
When you join our team, you’ll first take part in our training course. The training is a brilliant opportunity to meet new people and learn the valuable skills you’ll take with you into the work, including:
- Understanding self-harm
- Active listening skills
- Supporting suicidal callers
- Understanding the impact of trauma and abuse
- Mental health awareness
- Reflective practice
Our training typically lasts four days. We advertise when these dates are upcoming on both our social media and to people who have registered their interest through the form.
The training is trauma-informed and covers reflective listening, supporting people who self-harm, boundary and containment theories, supporting people who are suicidal, and how we can look after ourselves in the work.
In addition to the training course, volunteers also complete a minimum of two shadowing evenings with experienced listening service volunteers to gain insight into live calls/text conversations.
Where do shifts run from?
We currently offer both remote volunteering shifts (available across the UK) and office-based shifts in central Bristol. Our Bristol office is near the Bristol Royal Infirmary, with good public transport links and nearby parking. Please note, our current office premises are not wheelchair accessible.
When are the shift days and times?
We ask you to volunteer for one shift each week.
We are always looking to open new shifts so it’s worth completing the form to register your interest even if the current shifts don’t work for you.
Remote: Our current open shift runs from 5.45pm to 9.15pm on Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday evenings.
In-office in Bristol: Our current open shifts run from 5.30pm to 9.15pm on Monday and Thursday evenings. Monday shifts are available to all volunteers and Thursdays are available for only self-identifying women.
I’ve used your support services before, can I apply to become a volunteer?
Absolutely. We welcome all experiences in our team and many of our volunteer and staff team have their own experiences of self-harm or emotional distress. We want all our volunteers to feel in a place where they’re emotionally safe and able to offer support to others; if you’d like to talk this through and explore whether this is the proper role for you, please get in touch with our staff team, and we’ll be happy to speak to you about it.
Is your Bristol office accessible?
We regret that the premises are not wheelchair accessible. We can offer a preliminary phone call to discuss any adjustments we could make for more flexible roles.
What types of volunteering are available?
You can apply to become a volunteer on our helpline, text services or as a Trustee. We also welcome applications from anyone who feels that they have skills that would lend themselves to the operational management and development of our organisation – please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or by visiting our Volunteer With Us page for more information about current opportunities and to apply.
Do I need previous helpline or counselling experience?
You don’t need previous helpline or counselling experience. We’re looking for individuals with:
- An open mind
- A commitment to the role
- A willingness to learn
- Empathy and an understanding that everyone’s situation is personal and unique
- Flexibility and adaptability
- An interest in new learning experiences
What happens after the training?
After your training you’ll be confident in providing confidential emotional support via calls, texts, and/or emails to people across the UK. The work can be emotionally demanding but highly rewarding.
Do you provide professional support and guidance to volunteers?
All Listening Services shifts are supervised by a member of staff, and every three months you’ll have access to Group Supervision and Reflective Practice sessions with an experienced practitioner. Here, you’ll have a safe and confidential space to reflect on the work and its impact on you and talk through any issues.
Is there a minimum amount of time I must commit to the role?
We ask that Listening Service volunteers commit to a minimum of a year of service after completion of training.
Commitment times may vary for other types of volunteering and can be discussed upon your application.
Do I need to have a DBS check to become a volunteer?
An Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for a role within our Listening Services team (which will be arranged and paid for by us). We usually provide a basic DBS check for other team members who are not working directly with service users. This can be discussed upon application for the particular type of volunteering you are applying for.
Do I need any equipment to be a remote volunteer?
For remote Listening Service volunteers, you will require access to a laptop and an uninterrupted space during your shift.
Is it easy to find your Bristol office and is equipment provided?
For office-based Bristol volunteers, our main office is in Central Bristol, near Bristol Royal Infirmary, with good public transport links and parking nearby. All equipment is provided when you attend our office.
Group Support FAQs
What are the self-harm support groups like?
Every group is grounded in our core values: compassion, choice, confidentiality and meeting people where they are. Sessions are led by trained professional facilitators and are co-produced with people with lived-experience. Read more about past group projects like I Am Worthy, Take Space, and A Creative Exploration of Self-Injury Through Time.
Is there a cost to attend?
No, all our support groups are free to attend. We also have an accessibility fund to help with costs, such as public transport, for our in-person groups if this is a barrier for you. Please let us know if you need assistance.
What will I get from joining a group?
People tell us our groups help them feel less alone, more understood, and more equipped to cope. Whether you’re looking for connection, tools, or simply a space to breathe, you’ll be welcomed as you are.
Do I have to share if I don’t want to?
No, there is no pressure to share. We understand that attending the group can be a significant step for many people. We encourage everyone to share as much as they feel able to. When people feel able to share, it often helps others feel more comfortable, and we can have more varied conversations.
What if I’m late?
We kindly request that you arrive on time, but we understand that life can be unpredictable. We have waiting spaces in both the in-person and online groups if joining early is useful for you. If you do find yourself joining late, we’ll quietly integrate you into the group. You can then review the group agreement to ensure you’re comfortable with how the group operates.
Are the groups confidential?
Yes, we have a group agreement that clearly state that what is shared within the group remains within the group. This is here to ensure that everyone feels secure sharing their experiences and thoughts during the session. In the event that something comes up that we are legally obliged to share, we will have to – see our policies for more on our privacy and safeguarding information.
Leaving a Gift in Your Will FAQs
Do I have to be wealthy to leave a gift?
Not at all. Any gift, no matter how large or small, makes a significant difference. Even a small percentage of your estate can have a huge impact on our ability to support individuals.
What if I change my mind?
You can amend or revoke your Will at any time. Your solicitor can advise on how to make any changes.
A conversation about your Legacy
We understand that talking about your Will is a very personal matter. If you are considering leaving a gift to Sift, or would like to discuss it further in confidence, we are here to help.
For a confidential conversation with no obligations, please contact us.
Training FAQs
Who is self-harm training for?
Our training is designed for schools, healthcare teams, youth workers, community organisations, charities and workplaces. We tailor each session to your setting, level of experience and the needs of the people you work with.
What’s included in a session?
Our training is tailored to your needs to develop understanding of self-harm as a spectrum of behaviours, the reasons why someone may use self-injury and the challenges for support.
Drawing on the views of people who use self-harm and up to date evidenced based guidance, participants gain information about the needs of people who self-injure and helpful responses and consider self-help strategies that can enable someone to improve their emotional wellbeing.
Course aims
To develop understanding of self harm and responses that are helpful
Course objectives
By the end of the course participants will have had opportunities to:
- Develop understanding about self harm and reflect on the challenges for staff and volunteers when providing support
- Think about helpful responses, drawing on the views of people who use self harm and up to date evidenced based guidance
- Recognise the difference between self harming behaviours and suicidal thinking and also the links with potential risk for some individuals
Why choose us?
We bring over 40 years of specialist experience supporting people who self-harm and those who care for them. Our training is built on trauma-informed practice, lived-experience leadership and decades of frontline learning. This depth of expertise means we don’t just teach theory – we share real, community-rooted understanding of what truly helps, making our training grounded, credible and highly impactful. Income from our training funds our life-changing, life-saving services.
What will participants learn?
Participants gain a grounded understanding of why people self-harm, how to respond safely and compassionately, and how to create environments that reduce stigma and increase psychological safety. The training includes practical tools, reflective exercises and lived-experience insights that build confidence and reduce fear around getting it wrong.
What level is the training?
Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to deepen existing knowledge, this training offers practical tools, real-world insights and spaces for reflection to support understanding and increased wellbeing.
Is it accredited?
We are currently exploring accreditation. In the meantime everyone leaves with practical tools, reflective resources and a CPD certificate recognising their increased awareness, skills and confidence in supporting people who self-harm.