February 2024 was the lead up to National Self Injury Day on 1st March.  A short definition of self injury - "Self-injury is a coping mechanism. An individual harms their physical self to deal with emotional pain, or to break feelings of numbness by arousing sensation".  Being aware of the signs of self injury, and that it may affect anyone of any age, gender or cultural background is important.  The charity Lifesigns has a web site with lots of information about self injury and support for both those who self injure (sometime referred to as self harm, cutting or deliberate self harm / injury). It can be found here -  www.lifesigns.org.uk  Specifically for those aged 10 - 17 is Alumina (previously selfharmUK), who provide free online support .  Thier website is www.selfharm.co.uk

The 13th March is National Young Carers Day.  This year the theme is for fair futures for all young and young adult carers, as they  struggle to balance caring with education, the cost of living, travelling to a job or to study.  This can have a big impact on whether they can get on at school, go to university, or get a job or an apprenticeship.  The Carers Trust provides support and information to young carers and thier families.  For more information visit their website here: carers.org and for more on the 2024 young carers day see here.

National Stop Child Exploitation Day is on the 18th March.  The National Child Exploitation Awareness Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding Child Exploitation (CE); encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero-tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children exploiting and abusing their peers.  The NWG Charity, who lead this day, and work across the public sector and police forces anfd families to deliver the best outcomes for those affected.  More information on their work and the National Day of Awareness can be found here stop-ce.org