Happy New Year
2012 - an empty canvas?
So. a very happy New Year from everyone at PAPYRUS. What does the next 12 months hold for us?
As the fireworks soar and the champagne corks pop, let's celebrate together all that was achieved in 2011.
In suicide prevention, 2011 gave us a consultation on the new draft strategy for England and we look forward to a refreshed commitment by HM Government to further reduce suicides; lots of good work in Wales on the implementation of Talk To Me; a national suicide prevention conference in Scotland; and, in Northern Ireland, a province-wide symposium organised to highlight the ongoing challenges that still must be met by us all where suicide rates remain higher than the UK average.
We also remember that, for many families and friends, 2011 was a very tough year. At PAPYRUS, our thoughts are with all who have been affected and bereaved by suicide, especially by the death of children, young men and women.
We stand in solidarity, too, with all who struggle with thoughts of suicide or face regular low mood and depression or, indeed, are making new sense of a recent change in their lives and want to end the pain that it is causing. PAPYRUS wants to reach out and offer hope. Don't be alone - call us and talk it through. There is hope: HOPElineUK 0800 068 41 41. Help us to save young lives.
We also celebrate the energies of those who have worked tirelessly in 2011 to raise the profile of suicide prevention. Not least, we thank the many who have supported PAPYRUS in their fundraising and volunteering to help raise public awareness of the prevalence of young suicide which is so often preventable.
For many who have been affected by young suicide, we know that this time of year is a particular challenge.
Our Christmas and New Year messages remain: Look after yourself and each other. Don't be alone. Talk to us if you are worried about yourself or a young person you care about who may be at risk of suicide.
On our Twitter feed, the hash tag gethelp seems to seems to 'ring bells' with many of our followers. It's important to GET HELP if you are having thoughts of suicide. PAPYRUS can help you here.
Maybe we can redouble our efforts in 2012 to ensure that young people at risk of suicide (and their caregivers) know about HOPELineUK. Let's ensure that all our friends and neighbours know that they can and should get help if they are struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Perhaps that really would be a valuable new year's resoluton for all Friends of PAPYRUS.
In that way, maybe it could indeed be a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
If you want to get more involved with PAPYRUS in your area of the UK, please get in touch with us here or telephone 01925 572 444.