lead to them feeling suicidal.   I look forward to HOPElineUK becoming a nationally recognised name in the prevention of suicide.  

 

Although the call rate so far has been fairly low I personally have received repeat and thank you calls. My own feeling is that the service itself cannot be counted in numbers of calls, because if it has helped just one caller support and prevent someone who is  actively attempting suicide access appropriate help and save a life then the cost and call rate is insignificant. 

     

The training and depth of knowledge of the trainers has proved invaluable both in dealing with difficult calls and in gaining an understanding of the difficulties young people face in today’s challenging world that may

The British 10k London run

Recent email to the office:

‘On the third of February this year my 15 yr old daughter attempted to take her own life. She had a paracetamol level of 43% in her blood stream and the hospital says it was her vomiting that saved her life. She has self harmed for over a year but all this came out in the hospital.  She is having counselling which is good but the rest of the family are walking on egg shells around her and i her mother am beside myself what can we do please help us’ 

Visiting the call centre for HOPElineUK was an extremely positive experience for both Pam and I, as well as for Samaritans generally.  It was great to be able to look round the call centre and see how professionally it’s being managed and run. 

 

The level of detail that can be captured by the operators was particularly interesting since this is something that’s so different from Samaritans’ service.  I imagine this will make a tremendous difference to the funding and development of the service as time goes on.  Both Pam and I felt that the planning and commitment that has obviously gone into the operation means that the helpline has a bright future. 

 

It was also useful to have a chance to discuss how HOPElineUK complements Samaritans’ own emotional support service.  We very much hope that as Samaritans develops more sophisticated ways of working with other organisations, we can work closely together to make sure that callers to Samaritans and HOPElineUK get the best and most appropriate support. 

 

Over the forthcoming months, Samaritans looks forward to working with PAPYRUS closely to help raise awareness and provide support to all those affected by suicide. 

Samaritans Strategic PR Manager,

Sarah Nelson, and Operations Manager, Pam Blackwood

with call centre manager,

Janet Roberts during their visit to Wrexham

from previous page

We have been successful in acquiring places for this event for the next 3 years and it is hoped that we will field a PAPYRUS Team of 6 each year.  The route which is run through the heart of central London passes many of the capital’s famous land marks.  By competing in this event it is hoped that our team will raise our profile - in 2005 a record 20,000 people took part, including 202 charities. 

 

Thank you to all those members who expressed an interest in participating in this fundraising event.  The response was fantastic and PAPYRUS was able to fill all 6 places within a week of the last newsletter going out.  We felt it only fair to operate a first come first served basis for entry so apologies to those members who weren’t able to secure a place for the event this year. Your names have been placed on our reserve list.

A local printing and embroidery firm in Lancashire, Zencoe Limited has agreed to donate running vests

with PAPYRUS logo on them so we should be able to spot our runners if the event receives any television coverage!

 

We do hope all our team enjoy themselves on the day whilst in the process of raising funds for PAPYRUS and we appreciate all the preparation and effort that will be required. Best wishes and best of luck to Brian, Angela, Kate, Phil, Helen and Jackie - our PAPYRUS team.

 

If you wish to sponsor the PAPYRUS Team please complete the form here and return to the office.

Cake anyone?

The Christmas Market was well attended and we made £1200 which wasn't bad for a first attempt. Overall it was very well received -so a repeat is planned for Nov 22nd 06.

 

Our AGM/ coffee morning was held in February where tickets were available for all this year's forthcoming events (PiMs members being encouraged to attend with a 3 line whip!) Consequently the PiMS 'box office' has been quite busy!

 

Events planned this year include

an evening with Royal Harpist, Jemima Phillips (April 28th),

Susan Flannery and Michael Lunts in Wits End (June 10th),

a ‘black tie’ classical concert with

Lucinda Mackworth-Young and the Cambell family at Hom Church (October 7th)

and 'Afternoon Tea with The Knicker Lady' (November 19th)

 

For further information about PiMS contact Stephanie on 01989 769581

 

Congratulations to Stephanie and her team on their magnificent fundraising efforts for PAPYRUS once again this year.

 

And thank you to Sheila Lewis for making and selling over 700 Welsh cakes at the AGM.

(A doich i Sheila Lewis am baratoi a gwerthu dros saith gant of gacennau Cymraeg yn ystod yr AGM)