Virtual College’s online course already helping parents’ understanding of self-harm
As Virtual College believes children’s mental health and self-harm are such important issues, it has donated its skills and resources to creating an online course helping parents’ understanding of self-harm in young people.
An alarming 13% of 11-16 year olds say they self-harm and half of those who harm once will go on to harm again.
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. It is usually a way of coping with or expressing overwhelming emotional distress. The intention is often to punish themselves, express their distress or relieve unbearable tension. Self-harm can also be a cry for help.
As a result of its extensive experience with the safeguarding sector, online training specialist, Virtual College, found that there was a very low level of understanding and awareness amongst parents of this growing and worrying phenomenon.
So, how can we help parents identify the warning signs, risk factors and actions to take should they suspect a child or young person is self-harming or having suicidal thoughts?
Developed in partnership with Self Harm UK, an organisation dedicated to supporting young people impacted by self-harm, Virtual College has created engaging and immersive online learning resources which are easy to access and can be used flexibly at a time and place that is convenient for the learner.
Entitled ‘Understanding Young Minds – talking about mental resilience and self-harm’ the online course aims to help raise awareness and understanding amongst parents around this topic.
Ruth Ayres, Project Manager from Self Harm UK, commented: “Self-harm is on the rise and the latest figures of young people attending A&E due to harming is hugely concerning.
“These new resources fill a much needed gap to help raise awareness and understanding amongst parents of young people.”
The course includes:
- Self-harm and emotional resilience
- Myths and facts
- Dos and don’ts
- Vulnerabilities to self-harm
- Communication and sign posting
The course has already attracted a great deal of interest and attention.
Since its launch on 1st March 2017, which was Self-harm Awareness Day, there have been over 8000 downloads of the resource pack and almost 7000 sign-ups for the course.
Learner reaction has been very positive:
- “Liked the interactive nature of the module and the fact that it had a video of young people talking about their experiences.”
- “It was really interesting, looking for the signs and how to deal in with the situation.”
- “It was all beneficial and helpful and easy to navigate through particularly for people who may be in a heightened state due to discovering their children may be self-harming.”
- “It was good to know how to help children cope with stress and emotions”
More information and access the online learning resources is available from Virtual College.