Rosemary Vaux -
tel: 020 8943 5343 mobile: 07792 72 62 41
email: rvaux@ravenstonepr.co.uk
We can all help reduce Young Suicide, says charity
7 January 2008
Every year in the United Kingdom around 1,600 young people under the age of 35 kill themselves. PAPYRUS, the national charity dedicated to prevention of young suicide is calling on everyone to help reduce this alarming statistic - simply by making one telephone call.
If you are worried about a young person who could be feeling suicidal call HOPELineUK - 08000 68 41 41, the charity’s national helpline. Here trained mental health professionals give practical help and advice - how to bring up the subject of suicide, what to say and do - in total confidence and anonymity.
“We know that appropriate early intervention can prevent suicide,” said Anne Parry, chair of PAPYRUS. “But, many worried parents, siblings, friends and colleagues fear interference, anxious that what they say could tip a distressed person over the edge.
“These next few weeks can be a time of crisis freefall for those who put problems on the ‘back burner’ over Christmas and New Year celebrations, hoping the break will bring solutions. But for many who can’t see a future, nothing is resolved,” explained Anne. “They feel the promise of socialising and high spirits during the festive season has been broken and can sink into despair - at worst feeling suicidal.”
Added to personal problems, many perfectionist young people take on the worries of the world, becoming very frightened and depressed by issues beyond their control: for example global warming, third-world unrest and poverty, UK housing marketing. Some talk about it, some don’t, feeling they will be ridiculed, for some it simply becomes too much.
The charity’s message is don’t be fooled by outward appearances. Don’t drop your guard if concerned about a young person you know. Behaviour as seen on the outside doesn’t necessarily reflect what is going on inside. We can all help to reduce young suicides in 2008.
About PAPYRUS
PAPYRUS is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide, founded in 1997 by parents who had lost a son or daughter to suicide. PAPYRUS supports families, concerned friends, medics, mental health professionals, education staff and others who work with young people. Its publications, many of which can be downloaded, are used extensively by, for example, parents, schools, medical staff, social workers and prison staff.
The charity’s helpline - HOPELineUK 08000 68 41 41 - is a telephone service staffed by trained professionals who listen, give practical advice, information and support needed in order to approach and respond to suicidal feelings. It has helped hundreds of concerned parents and other family members, friends, teachers and professionals.
The helpline is open Monday-Friday from 10am to 2pm and 7pm to 10pm and 2pm to 5pm at weekends. There is a call-back service outside these hours.
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