Self-harm strategy and action plan: mid-term report

Our reporting approach

The focus of this mid-term report is to consider the progress we have made towards our vision, and the impact we have made on our short-term outcomes. To assess progress towards our vision, we need to understand where we expect to see change happen, and how that change can be measured. Judgements at this stage have been informed by a combination of assessment of our outputs, limited monitoring data, stakeholder and lived experience feedback, and early indicators of change. We continue to explore all opportunities to appropriately, and proportionately, measure the impact our work is having, ensuring that we capture the difference we are making, and for whom.

Data collection and measurement

We recognise the ongoing and significant challenges in collecting and measuring data on self-harm across public services including statutory services and third sector services.

Evidence from research and lived experience feedback consistently shows that people who self-harm may seek help from a range of services, or not engage with services at all. This can make it difficult to fully capture the extent of need presented across different services and establish what is missing from service level and national data. In addition, variations in recording practices and different IT systems presents further challenges.

These limitations directly affect our ability to establish reliable baselines and track progress over time. To address this, we are working in partnership with our Data and Evidence Group to improve the quality, consistency and range of self-harm data. We also recognise the importance of drawing on other valuable sources of evidence, including qualitative data, lived experience testimonies, and data from settings beyond NHS services. These sources are essential in understanding the broader impact of our work, particularly for groups who may not engage with services.

We acknowledge that measuring outcomes such as stigma and discrimination present additional challenges. While these are difficult to quantify, we continue to work with See Me through the SHAPE group to drive progress in this area.

Using a contribution analysis style approach, we aim to demonstrate how the actions within the Action Plan support broader outcomes, including stigma reduction.