Supporting anybody affected by self-harm

Welcome to Battle Scars. We are a small, dedicated, 100% survivor-led and run charity offering local, regional, national as well as international support around self-harm (click here for our definition). 

Self-harm is far more widespread and complex than most people think. It's also mostly hidden and often judged due to the stigma attached to it. Our aim is to break down this stigma, raise awareness, dispel the myths and support those affected by self-harm irrelevant of gender, age, background and location. 

Our face-to-face services in Leeds and Wakefield are still on hold but we are hoping to restart them (as well as some new ones) in the spring. During the pandemic we have offered various virtual services. All these UK-wide services will continue being on offer as they are allowing us to reach people we could not have reached before. 

We help those who struggle with self-harm by running easy-to-access peer support groups, with a similar group for their families. Our worldwide, all-ages Facebook group offers around-the-clock peer support for anybody needing help or wishing to celebrate their achievements. Our training for professionals on self-harm or eating disorders is available on set dates or for private delivery. We are currently developing services for children and young people. 
Virtual group
​topic & activity
Feedback from 1-day workshop on self-harm
We have various ​online and printed resources to help understand and manage self-harm, to support organisations, to encourage people who struggle with self-harm to reach out and build a robust support network. 
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Our latest Annual Report
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Free workbook (hard copy or PDF) available to order suitable for people with varying dependency on self-harm (P&P & admin charges apply). PDF version for professionals also available.
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Our renowned Crisis Card is meant to be carried by those who might experience severe mental distress and need to seek help. We send the cards, posters & stands free of charge to services, organisations, companies, schools etc in the UK.
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Battle Scars wristbands now on sale (youth & adult sizes available)
"I self-harm to have some control over the chaos in my mind, to release the pressure of a drowning soul. But the Battle scars Facebook group has helped me shed the shame I felt regarding my self-harm and gave me a safe space to talk about my urges and feelings without judgment. It has helped me break the cycle and pull out of the spiral I was in"