PAPYRUS - Prevention of Young Suicide

Every year many hundreds of young people take their own lives in the UK. Many thousands more contemplate suicide; many harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling.

PAPYRUS exists to give young people hope and to prevent young suicide.

We draw from the experience of many who have been touched personally by young suicide across the UK and speak on their behalf in our campaigns and in our endeavours to save young lives.

What we do

• We provide confidential support and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person

We run a national helpline, HOPELineUK, including text and email services, staffed by a team of mental health professionals who provide practical help and advice to vulnerable young people and to those concerned about any young person who may be at risk of suicide.

• We work with and train professionals

PAPYRUS offers a range of training sessions aimed at raising awareness of the prevalence of young suicide. We teach skills to people from all walks of life in how to recognise a young person at risk of suicide and in how to provide immediate and effective help. Our training is designed to equip participants with the skills, awareness and confidence to help prevent young suicide. PAPYRUS also delivers talks and awareness-raising sessions in schools, colleges, universities, community groups, prisons and other networks. These sessions are aimed at young people at risk and those who care for or work with them to help reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and encourage young people to be suicide-safe.

• We campaign and influence national policy

PAPYRUS acts on the experiences of our members and service users by campaigning for the protection of young people at risk of suicide.