Phone support for adults who self-harm (England only)

If you're over 18, struggle with self-harm and would like some support over the phone please read the following information.
If you're a professional and would like to refer someone to FRESH, please fill in the referral form using the button below. ​
Feel free to download poster below
INTRO TO BATTLE SCARS
  • We are a charity based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, offering support to anybody affected by self-harm.
  • Everybody working for Battle Scars has lived experience of self-harm, in other words, has used or is using self-harm to manage life. We also have a very small number of volunteers who care for a close loved one who self-harms. All FRESH workers have experience of using self-harm. 
WHAT IS THE FRESH PROJECT?
  • The FRESH project's aim is to reassure people who self-harm that they're not alone, whether they are struggling with self-harm or self-harm urges, have self-harmed for the first time or have been self-harming for years, or needed urgent medical treatment for their self-harm.
  • It's also a project focusing on prevention, a way to obtain a FRESH view, a FRESH approach and get some FRESH ideas to help you manage your self-harm and life.
  • Whichever method of self-harm you use, FRESH gives you the opportunity to talk about what’s going on for you with a peer support worker.
  • FRESH is NOT a crisis service.
  • FRESH is NOT a helpline. 
how TO access the fresh service
  • You must be over 18 and live in England.
  • You can refer yourself or you can be referred by a professional with your permission.
  • All referrals must come through the website (form below). We do not accept referrals over the phone.
  • Any professional can refer you. Depending on circumstances and which services you've accessed, you may be offered referral to FRESH by more than one referrer in a short period of time. Please mention if you or another service has already put a referral in. Multiple, close-to-each-other referrals will not result in multiple calls.
  • Repeat referrals will be considered by the FRESH coordinator on a case-by-case basis. If you self-referred, you will be notified by text/email if the referral has not been accepted. If a professional has referred you, they will be notified.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER BATTLE SCARS HAVE RECEIVED THE REFERRAL? 
  • A peer support worker, someone with their own lived experience of self-harm, will try to ring you within 5 working days after Battle Scars have received the referral.
  • Phone calls take place Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm depending on peer support worker availability.
  • The call will come from a private number so please answer it.
  • Battle Scars will make a few attempts to contact you over 2-3 days. They will leave voicemails if there is such an option and you have given your permission. 
HOW MUCH DO BATTLE SCARS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ME? 
  • We ask for your name, preferred pronoun, gender, age, phone number, email, first part of your postcode and some information that will help us understand who we are supporting. 
  • We ask what method of self-harm you usually use to ensure the call is allocated to the right worker.
  • If you were referred by a professional, we ask for their details. 
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE CALL? 
Our phone support offers a safe, one-off call (up to 50 minutes) with the option of one follow-up. It’s a chance to talk openly about self-harm with someone who understands, without pressure or judgment.
This isn’t counselling. It’s an informal, friendly chat with a peer worker who will go at your pace, listen, and offer support. They can share information about other Battle Scars services, suggest strategies, point you to useful resources, reassure you that you’re not alone — or simply listen if that’s what you need.
​After the call you will receive a feedback request by text to help us improve our service and secure further funding.
Please note:
  • This is a one-off call with one follow-up; ongoing support is available through our other services.
  • Calls are confidential. If referred by a professional, we won’t share what you say unless there are serious safety concerns.
  • We are not a crisis service. If you feel unable to stay safe, please contact crisis services directly.
"Thank you for 'getting it'"
FRESH leaflet with less colour for printing
Click on image for PDF version
Full colour FRESH leaflet
Click on image for PDF version