About Us

PAPYRUS was founded in 1997 by Jean Kerr, a mother from Lancashire. She and a small group of parents who had each lost a child to suicide were convinced that that many young suicides are preventable.

The name, PAPYRUS, came from the original name of the charity, Parents Association the Prevention of Young Suicide. From those early days, people have joined the charity which is now the UK-wide membership organisation dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.

PAPYRUS membership is open to all who share the belief that young suicide is often preventable.

Who's Who at PAPYRUS?

The Board of Directors are the Trustees of the Charity. By constitution, a majority of the Board is made up of members who have been personally bereaved by a young suicide.

Chairman: Stephen Habgood

Vice Chair: Martyn Piper

Trustee: Eustace De Sousa

Trustee: Pam Hemingway

Trustee: Dan Naylor

Trustee: Nicky Ray

Trustee: Anita Sutcliffe

Trustee: Kirsten Windfuhr

Operational Management is undertaken by the Chief Executive.

Chief Executive: Ged Flynn

Patrons

Rt Hon Simon Hughes MP

Rt Hon David Heathcoat-Amory

Rt Hon David Hanson MP

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide

Registered Charity 1070896

Company Limited by Guarantee: 3555482