Our history

Battle Scars was formed because of the need of one person to find support for her self-harm. Starting as a peer support Facebook group in January 2015, we formed the Battle Scars community group (Unincorporated Association) in April 2016. Fast growth resulted in Battle Scars becoming a registered charity (CIO - Charitable Incorporated Organisation) in England and Wales on February 6th, 2018. 

We are based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, running face-to-face services in Leeds and Wakefield alongside our ever-growing worldwide Facebook group and since June 2020 our virtual services are available UK-wide.
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Battle Scars logo 2016-2018
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Battle Scars logo 2018-now

Our definition of self-harm

We include both physical and psychological forms of self harm:
  • Self-harm inflicted on the body with immediate and longer term effect such as cutting, burning, scratching, pulling hair, hitting, inserting objects, overdosing, poisoning, eating disorders (or any food related self-harm, e.g. overeating, as well as restricting liquids), taking risks etc. but not including alcohol or drug abuse unless combined with self-harm as described above. We recognise that alcohol and drug abuse can be considered as self-harm but we lack the capacity and expertise to provide support with these. 
  • Psychological harm to the self (e.g. self-neglect, obsessive negative thinking, sabotaging relationships, maintaining a pattern of creating similar damaging relationships etc.) ​
To support, educate and break down the self-harm stigma

Our aims

We aim to support anybody affected by self-harm: those who self-harm and those supporting them (family, friends and professionals) to make sure they no longer feel alone.  We constantly work to break down the stigma surrounding self-harm through education, honesty and openness. 

We will continue working to:
  • raise awareness about self-harm and its various forms
  • help people seek support (incl. carers)
  • develop appropriate peer support services for people of all ages
  • encourage our service users, volunteers and staff to live life despite the self-harm, to achieve whatever they can manage and continue inspiring others
  • create safe environments where people affected by self-harm can be themselves

Our vision

Better awareness of self-harm's complexity, roots and reasons so that anybody affected by self-harm can receive support, acceptance and understanding so they can build a healthier future for themselves.

Our partners

We work closely with other 3rd sector organisations (such as Forum Central, Leeds Involving People, VAL/Young Lives Leeds), the NHS (West Yorkshire ICS, LYPFT, Recovery Colleges), the DWP, Leeds & Manchester Universities, to name but a few, as well as supporting many private organisations' mental health first aiders.  

We are keen to strengthen existing and develop new links with organisations in or out of Leeds. 

Every single one of us matters