A student overcame self harm by reaching for a pen instead of a knife.

Sabrina Gardiner, who lives in Haringey, won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her article “Creative Solution to Self Harm”.

The 19-year-old’s piece focuses on the issues surrounding both self harm and autism. She wrote the article for Exposure, a social networking platform, where she has been volunteering for three years by writing articles and producing cartons.

In the essay, she says she has self harmed a number of times, with triggers including the strain of schoolwork, mental health problems and an argument with her family.

She wrote: “I know hurting myself isn’t the best way of coping but often I feel it’s the only way.

“It offers a quick fix to my mental pain by causing myself physical pain.”

Sabrina's writing has lightened her burdens, and has also given others the opportunity to confront their own.

She said: “I'm now learning how to channel my anger into something positive instead - like writing a short story or drawing a picture detailing my experience.

“Since I wrote my article on the subject, I've now turned away from self-harming all together - there are better ways to cope with your anger than that.”

The Jack Petchey Foundation gave Sabrina a £200 prize, which she spent on a new colour printer for the Exposure office.

She added: “Winning has filled me with intense pride, because of the recognition I'm getting for my positive achievements.”