What is digital self-harm?

Digital self-harm has lots of definitions and can include different things. In this guide, we will describe it as using social media and the internet in order to harm yourself. Usually, digital self-harm is emotional harm.

Digital self-harm can be different from other types of self-harm. This is because people who are digitally self-harming might not start out by meaning to harm themselves. Sometimes people who are digitally self-harming believe that they need to continue doing what they are doing even if it hurts them. When digital self-harm is talked about in the media, people tend to talk about children and young people creating social media accounts to send abusive comments to themselves. This is an important issue and it affects LGBT+ people. LGBT+ communities also face some specific types of digital self-harm.

All people have different experiences in life, but suicidal thoughts can affect anyone. Often if we were dealing with physical health conditions or some form of physical pain, we would reach out and get support whether this be from a GP or other services. For those experiencing emotional pain or suicidal thoughts, this can often feel more difficult or cause worry, but you need to know it is nothing to be ashamed of and it is okay to ask for help. As a service provider, we are here to listen and find you the support you need.

Get the support you need, when you need it: call us on 0345 3 30 30 30 to speak to a member of our helpline team. We are open 9am-9pm Monday to Friday (with the last call being taken at 8.15pm) and 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday (with the last call being taken at 5.15pm). 

REACH OUT, STAY S.T.R.O.N.G 

If you are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts or know someone who is, this resource could be helpful. Our Reach Out, Stay S.T.R.O.N.G resource was developed to provide information, guidance, and support to those experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

DOWNLOAD REACH OUT, STAY S.T.R.O.N.G

WHO CAN I TURN TO?

There are a number of ways to get support when you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or if you feel you are experiencing a crisis. Sometimes reaching out can feel hard to do, but just know that the below services are there to provide a listening ear and non-judgemental support to you should you need it. Some of the services available include:

Up until the year 2000, a historic ban was in place that prevented openly out LGBTQ+ persons from serving within the Armed Forces. Sadly, many people suffered and faced gross injustices as part of this ban. 

Our outreach work aims to address issues that were caused as a result of this by working with military organisations to promote inclusivity and stronger relationships between the Armed Forces and LGBTQ+ communities. 

Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, this project forms part of a bid titled “Tackling Loneliness” where we aim to support any Armed Forces personnel and Veterans, who identify as LGBTQ+. 

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Befriending Service

We run a tailored befriending service where we assign each service user a befriender, offering a regular check-in for anyone who signs up. These consist of weekly phone calls with a trained volunteer who lends an ear to those wishing to have someone to talk to. 

Creative Well-being Sessions

Our creative well-being sessions seek to assist Armed Forces members by providing alternative spaces for people to explore their own health and issues in a safe space.

Networking Opportunities

We facilitate networking opportunities allowing a safe space to meet and connect with similar LGBTQ+ people, both in person and virtually via events that we host.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

LGBT Foundation prides itself on the commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers who help to run our fantastic services.  

There are many ways for you to be a part of this rewarding outreach work. 

Our befriending service allows volunteers to be on hand to make and receive phone calls for a friendly check-in on a weekly basis. Our volunteers are given extensive training and are also given a DBS clearance check free of charge.  

You can also get involved by working behind the scenes at our events where you can welcome guests, assist with refreshments, or just be another friendly face on behalf of our organisation to help support and facilitate activities.

We provide a friendly, non-judgemental service that understands that no matter where you are on your journey, from taking that first step forward or to the times when it feels like you are taking two steps back.  

Whatever you may be currently experiencing, you do not have to navigate this alone, there is always support available should you be in need of it. 

Our helpline and Email Support service provides brief interventions, advice, emotional support and signposting, Our team will spend time with you to explore your current situation, and work with you to identify potential next steps for support. 

Get the support you need when you need it:
call us on 0345 3 30 30 30,
or email us: helpline@lgbt.foundation 

CRISIS INFORMATION

Currently we offer support on the following topics:

Talking Therapies

Sexual Health Support

Helpline and Email Support

Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Support

Community Safety

Recovery Support

Befriending and Peer Support

Trans Advocacy

Our communities are resilient, strong and amazingly diverse. Despite this, we know sometimes they will need a helping hand on their journey. Here at LGBT Foundation, we pride ourselves on offering safe, accessible, and specialist services to meet the needs of these communities.

Every year we support thousands of people. From one off helpline calls through to more long term support around isolation, recovery, and domestic abuse. We are here to help. Our services are consistently growing and developing in line with the needs of our communities.