To support, educate and bring everybody together
Self-harm is generally misunderstood and has a large stigma attached to it. People who self-harm often feel isolated and experience guilt or are judged for what is a coping mechanism. The Leeds based Battle Scars community group was formed in April 2016 in order to remove this stigma and help people feel supported and no longer alone. We have experienced extremely fast growth due to the need and as of February 6th, 2018 Battle Scars is a registered charity in England and Wales.
Our definition of self-harm is
We are running adult survivor led groups in Leeds and Wakefield, to support anyone who self-harms, their families, friends and carers, professionals, or anyone who is trying to understand self-harm. Our aim is to explore the issues of self-harm within a safe environment, discover and understand the reasons behind it, open up and share without risking judgement so we can help each other become stronger and find better ways to cope.
Since November 2018 we run discussion groups for parents/family/friends and managing self-harm workshop for 11-16 year olds (please contact us for 16-18's workshop).
We also support professionals who work with people who self-harm by providing training.
Please see events & services for more information on the groups and our other services.
Please check out the resources available on this website for self-help tools, tools to be used when working with people who self-harm, insights and information.
For online peer support please join the closed Facebook support group "Battle Scars survivor led self harm support group" which is for anybody, anywhere in the world.
Our definition of self-harm is
- 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, drug abuse or smoking unless combined with self-harm as described above.We recognise that alcohol, drugs abuse and smoking can be considered self-harm but we lack the capacity and expertise to provide support with these.
- Psychological harm to the self (e.g. neglect, obsessive negative thinking, sabotaging relationships, maintaining a pattern of creating similar damaging relationships etc.)
We are running adult survivor led groups in Leeds and Wakefield, to support anyone who self-harms, their families, friends and carers, professionals, or anyone who is trying to understand self-harm. Our aim is to explore the issues of self-harm within a safe environment, discover and understand the reasons behind it, open up and share without risking judgement so we can help each other become stronger and find better ways to cope.
Since November 2018 we run discussion groups for parents/family/friends and managing self-harm workshop for 11-16 year olds (please contact us for 16-18's workshop).
We also support professionals who work with people who self-harm by providing training.
Please see events & services for more information on the groups and our other services.
Please check out the resources available on this website for self-help tools, tools to be used when working with people who self-harm, insights and information.
For online peer support please join the closed Facebook support group "Battle Scars survivor led self harm support group" which is for anybody, anywhere in the world.
NOTICE: Our Facebook page got lost after technical issues. We have now created a new one. Please use the symbol in the footer to find the new page.
Annual Report 2018-2019
Our renown 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.
Click on image to order
 especially people who currently self-harm
"With volunteering through Battle Scars, I have been able to turn what was a traumatic and tumultuous period of my life into a strength and a positive. I have never been judged and never felt pressured - only supported and encouraged. The fact that I have been able to use my experiences of poor mental health to help and understand others has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling. The confidence I have gained volunteering with Battle Scars has given me the courage to go back to education as a mature student and to gain part-time paid employment"
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An eating disorder survivor's story
(with subtitles) The thoughts don't stop.... (the anorexic's mindset)
(with subtitles) 
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