A North-West based suicide prevention charity is supporting calls for young people who are struggling with life to be taken seriously.

PAPYRUS, which has its head office in Warrington, says every government department and political party has a role to play in keeping our children and young people safe from suicide.

Speaking at the launch of a report into the findings of an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) inquiry into young people and suicide, the charity’s chief executive, Ged Flynn, supported calls for urgent action to improve health, education and community-based support.

He said:- “It is good to see the inquiry promoting education around suicide and suicide prevention in education. Children and young people are talking about suicide. Adults, parents and school staff must help them to do so safely and help them find the support and care they need. The Department for Education should work quicker here or the system around it needs to change, and soon. People are dying.”

The findings of the APPG on Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention inquiry outlines 15 key recommendations for action.

“Healthcare is in our sights too. How scandalous to read of the prevalence of young people being turned away. I can't excuse this. Nor can we as a country. It's not good enough. I pay tribute to the countless NHS staff who go the extra mile every day, like their colleagues in education. If it's about money, it's about a choice. Let's choose life,” added Ged Flynn.  

The APPG inquiry highlights how charities and voluntary organisations are “plugging gaps” in statutory services.

“The place of the 3rd sector is recognised in suicide prevention here. Often overlooked, charities need more than funding, however important that is - and it is. They, we, also need recognition by the state. Organisations like PAPYRUS, Samaritans, James’ Place, The Listening Place, If U Care Share, Suicide&Co, Harmless, Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, the Mental Health Foundation and many more often hold the burden of much of the care that the NHS cannot provide,” said Ged Flynn.  

Faced with an increasing demand for its life-saving services and a significant reduction in the voluntary income it receives, PAPYRUS has launched an emergency fund to help keep its HOPELINE247 open through the night. 

“There is a future out there, even in this darkened world. We can be the hope for our children and our young people. PAPYRUS tries every day to take them seriously and help them find that future. We can all do that and, together, find life,” added Ged Flynn. 

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK.

PAPYRUS aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

HOPELINE247 is the charity’s confidential helpline service providing practical advice and support to young people with thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned about a young person who may have thoughts of suicide.

HOPELINE247 is staffed by trained professionals, offering a telephone, text and email service.

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice, please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on:- 0800 068 4141, text:- 88247 or email:- pat@papyrus-uk.org