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Talk to Us

Welcome to our new website. We’re celebrating 40 years of delivering self-harm support shaped by the people we work with. You told us support needs to be easier to find, easier to access and feel less exposing – this is part of that change. Read more here. Sift, previously Self Injury Support.

Group Support

Self-Harm Support Groups

Spaces to connect, reflect and feel supported

Our groups offer a non-judgemental spaces for people who self-harm, and for those who care for them, to come together in ways that feel safe and manageable. While our current group programme is small, we have a strong track record of creating supportive, trauma-informed group experiences, and we’re continuing to develop new offers based on what people tell us they need.

A group of people stood with their arms around each other in a line, smiling and talking.

Parent Support Group

4 Session Online Support Group for Parents & Carers of Young People that Self-Harm

Talking about self-harm can be overwhelming, confusing and isolating – for those that self-harm and the people that support them. This online support group offers a safe, confidential space to improve understanding, receive guidance and explore resources.

We believe that when those supporting young people feel supported themselves, everyone benefits.

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"It's more than just a group, it's a community of people that truly understand self-harm." Jean, Group Support User

Past Group Support

Here are some examples of previous group sessions that we’ve provided.

A group of people stood on a stage taking part in a theatrical group session.

I Am Worthy

In late 2023, we were asked a powerful question: what if we explored self-harm not only as a contemporary issue, but as something that has...

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A group of people putting their hands in the middle whilst standing in a circle.

Take Space – Self-Harm Support Group

Online and In-Person Self-Harm Group Support Programme 2024-2025 Take Space, an online and in-person group support programme, was created to provide safe, non-judgemental peer support...

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A photo from a self-harm exhibition hosted at Glenside Hospital in Bristol and created by Self Injury Support.

A Creative Exploration of Self-Injury Through Time

A Creative Exploration of Self-Injury Through Time grew out of our 2024 theatre project, I Am Worthy, delivered in partnership with ACTA Community Theatre and...

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This was a really powerful session for me, particularly the discussion around shame. I like how the sessions are so positive in terms of recognising self-harm as a coping mechanism and presenting alternative viewpoints to encourage discussion. I also like that there are topics and a structure, and that the facilitators are so positive and inclusive." Eliza, Group Support User

FAQs

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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