Safety Kits by Marc Hallsworth
I have been involved in the ward visits made by Mental Health Together (MHT) over the past few months and on one particular visit I had a conversation with a young man who really made me think. The young man who I’ll call John (not his real name) was a very clear self harmer due to scaring he had on his body. John said that one thing he would like to see introduced into the discharge routine for people with self-half is some type of basic, minimal first aid training and a simple kit for them to take home including pressure bandages, alcohol wipes, plasters etc.
Having knowledge and equipment of a basic first aid kit could firstly, save a trip to A&E because you could clean the wound yourself and secondly, if necessary, you could use the kit until help arrives via paramedics or family.
Since speaking to John, I have thought to myself if not for MHT this subject may have never come to light, also it could save a life. You can get free stop-smoking kits, needles, chlamydia kits, so, when I went to the Suicide Prevention Strategy Group and self-harm was on the agenda I mentioned this idea. Everyone was extremely positive about it and a sub-group has been set to co-produce a ‘Safety Kit’. The intention now is to include not only basic first aid equipment but also advice on emotional ‘first aid’ when people feel the urge to self-harm.
“The concept of a ‘safety kit’ for people who self-harm, proposed by an inpatient during discussion with an expert member of the Suicide Prevention Strateft Group represents a wonderful example of an idea realised in practice, which is truly service-receiver led”
Sam Kelly – Chair of Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust’s Suicide Prevention Strategy Group