A NEW programme set up to protect teenagers who may self harm in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd has been launched.

Every year hundreds of teenagers in Wales hurt themselves deliberately and often feel they have nowhere to turn.

To combat this, all comprehensive schools in the constituency have teamed up with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board along with Gwynedd and Ynys Môn education services to improve the care given to pupils who are at risk of self-harming.

Schools will work in partnership with the health board’s local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to identify at risk pupils, and ensure they receive the most effective support.

Speaking at the launch of the project recently, Elin Sanderson, senior CAMHS/education practitioner involved in the project said: “Self-harm can involve young people hurting themselves as a way of dealing with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences that feel out of control.

“We know that self-harm amongst young people is a largely hidden problem and it appears to peak during adolescence, so it’s vital that we work with schools to ensure that pupils get the support they need at the earliest opportunity.”

Read the full story in this Thursday’s north editions of the Cambrian News