Responding to Self-Harm in Scotland Final Report: Mapping Out the Next Stage of Activity in Developing Services and Health Improvement Approaches

Truth Hurts, the report of the UK National Inquiry into Self-harm among Young People (2006), proposed a comprehensive approach to self-harm involving both a generic focus on mental health improvement as well as behaviour specific information, training and intervention. The independent evaluation of Choose Life also recommended development of responses to non-fatal aspects of self-harm.

The Scottish Government made a commitment in Towards a Mentally Flourishing Scotland: Policy and Action Plan 2009-11 to improve the knowledge and understanding of self-harm in Scotland and to prepare an appropriate response.