Index. 1. College Vision College Values Purpose of the policy Scope of the policy Definition of Self-harm.

Transcription

1 Self-harm Policy

2 Index 1. College Vision College Values Purpose of the policy Scope of the policy Definition of Self-harm What to do if a student has disclosed they have self harmed 4 7. Good practice guidelines 5 8. Review schedule. 5

3 1. College Vision Everyone is proud to recommend Mid Kent College to family and friends. It is a great place to learn and work, where all students and staff feel part of the College community. 2. College Values Aspiring to excellence Setting high expectations Passion for learning Integrity and Honesty Respecting the individual Effective team working The College values are underpinned by a set of behaviours expected of staff and learners and determine the way in which the College operates. In summary, the values put learners at the centre of College processes, place an expectation on staff of professionalism and responsibility and require leaders to promote excellence. 3. Purpose of the Policy The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines, a policy for supporting students who have self harmed to: Foster a safe and secure environment within the college where students and staff can study, work and develop to their full potential. Support and value students, offering a range of appropriate interventions. Provide training to staff to respond to manage emergency situations appropriately. Ensure that the policy is consistent with local and national legislation and guidelines. This policy needs to be read with the Equality and Diversity Policy, the Child Protection Policy, Safeguarding Policy and the Student Counselling Services Procedure.

4 4. The Scope of the Policy People who self harm do so as a consequence of emotional stress. Staff must always treat students who self harm with consideration, sensitivity and respect. Staff also need to be aware of the stigma and discrimination sometimes associated with self harm and adopt a nonjudgemental approach. 5. Definition of Self Harm Self harm is a term that covers a range of behaviours used as a coping mechanism where an individual harms themselves by inflicting psychically pain or excess to deal with emotional pain Common methods of deliberate self harm include: Cutting yourself Over eating or under eating Burning your skin Inserting objects into your body Hitting yourself or walls Taking an overdose Swallowing hazardous substances Exercising excessively Scratching and hair pulling The majority of the people who self harm are using this method as an attempt to cope with difficulties and problems they have experienced or continued to be experiencing. Often the purpose is to feel alive, and NOT to end their life. Favazza (1998) states quite definitely that self harm is distinct from suicide and more recent reviews have upheld this distinction. A basic understanding is that a person who attempts suicide is seeking to end their life and the end of feelings whereas a person who self harms seeks to feel better. However there is a possibility that those who self injure may commit suicide either accidently or deliberately as the result of their actions. 6. What to do if a student has disclosed they have self-harmed Check if whether the injury requires medical attention if so contact reception and ask for a college first aider to attend. A referral to accident and emergency may be necessary if the harm is considered to be a risk or a danger to an individual s health either mentally or physically. Engage at a level commensurate with your role and responsibilities, maintaining your own and student safety by working within your professional boundaries.

5 Encourage the student to seek support from the Counselling Team at the college. The counsellors are trained to work with students who self harm and by working in a therapeutic relationship with students can help them build an emotional language to cope with difficulties and stressful situations in their lives. A referral for an appointment can be requested by a member of staff or the student can refer themselves. (see Counselling referral procedure). 7. Good Practice Guidelines Listen Listen to what the student says in order to check whether they want help and if so what help is required. Respect their choices do not impose your own agenda onto the student, unless they are a danger to themselves or others. Remain calm and non-judgemental at all times. Consider Staff must not take the responsibility of resolving the underlying issue or stopping the self harming behaviour. Do not make promises you cannot keep regarding such things as confidentiality. Try to contain your own anxiety, remember self harm is a coping strategy and if you insist they stop you may be removing the ONLY coping mechanism they have. Beware of escalating the issue out of proportion. Remember the potential impact of self harm behaviour on other students and provide support if necessary. Take care of your own emotional wellbeing and seek support if necessary following the incident. Respond Offer support and referral to the appropriate options as outlined above. If there is a risk of suicide or life threatening self harm the student needs to be referred to A&E. If the student is under 18 or a vulnerable adult contact a named child protection person or the student s parent/ guardian. Keep a record of the incident and subsequent action taken and notify the Welfare officer. 8. This policy will be reviewed in October 2015