Worrying figures reveal rates of emergency hospital admissions for intentional self-harm are, on average, higher in Dorset than the rest of the country.

Statistics from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities also show these admissions is higher within young people.

A total of 680 people in Dorset attended hospital for intentional self-harm between 2021 and 2022, which means the average rate per 100,000 people is 200.9. This is higher than England, where the rate is 163.7 per 100,000 people.

Of the 680 that were admitted, 105 were aged between 10 to 14 years old. The average rate per 100,000 people admitted to hospital between this age range is 513.8, whilst the country’s average 307.1 per 100,000 people.

Young people between the age of 15-19 years in Dorset are also being admitted to hospital in emergency cases for intentional self-harm at a higher rate than England. Statistics show that, on average rate for this would be 513.8 people per 100,000, with 185 reported cases in 2021-22.

There are many factors that young people are facing in Dorset that could lead to these admissions, explains Tom Lane, principal youth worker at STEPS club for young people in Weymouth.

He said: “Young people are facing a wide range of issues. These relate to poverty, housing and health, educational challenges, expectations, relationship problems, peer pressure, bullying and prejudice.

“The increase in mental health problems - almost an epidemic in our young people - has coincided exactly with the use of smartphones and the advent of social media which I believe are extremely destructive in young people's lives.”

“Demand for mental health services means many young people are waiting a long time for, or are unable to access, the support they need. On top of which, young people growing up in Dorset can face either deprivation or rural isolation,” he added.

Mr Lane went on to say that nationally, 77 per cent of local authority funding for youth services has been cut since 2010, including Dorset’s Youth Service, which was scaled back in 2016.

He said: “This is a catastrophe that is costing lives and which leaves young people with less developmental opportunities and less support.

“Studies have repeatedly shown that youth work saves money. A recent report published by the National Youth Agency showed that, for every pound spent on youth work, between £3.20 and £6.40 is saved from other public expenditure. 

“There is a moral argument that, in a decent society, we should provide developmental opportunities and support for our young people outside of school, but even if we ignore that and just look at the bottom line, cutting youth services is a false economy and money spent on youth work actually saves taxpayers' money."

A spokesperson for Public Health Dorset spokesperson said: “We are aware that rates of hospital admissions for intentional self-harm are higher than the England average in Dorset, and we would expect to see some variation in this across local areas. This variation can be impacted by low numbers being recorded at smaller local levels.

“Mental health is a priority for the integrated care system in Dorset, and the council, NHS, voluntary sector and other partner organisations work closely together to ensure people know where they can go to get support.

The spokesperson went on to say that anyone who is experiencing mental health problems can call Connection, Dorset’s 24/7 mental health helpline for free on 0800 652 0190- and people can also speak to them for advice on a friend or family member.

They added that those experiencing mental health problems can also speak to someone in person in Community Front Rooms and The Retreats across the county. To find out more information on locations and opening times, search for Access Mental Health Dorset.

If you are affected by self-harm or concerned for a young person call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.

If you are struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, call the following helplines:

Samaritans 116 123

Papyrus (for those aged under 35) 0800 068 41 41

Childline (for children and young people under 19) 0800 1111

The Silver Line (for older people) 0800 4 70 80 90

In the event that someone’s life is in risk, always call 999.