Charitable holidaymakers can now help to raise money for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide.
The charity will receive a donation from bookings made through the new social enterprise Charitable Travel.
The travel agency says it hopes the “spirit of community and kindness” seen during lockdown will be reflected in future holiday planning.
Melissa Tilling, founder and Chief Executive of Charitable Travel, said: “We think the work PAPYRUS does across the UK is incredible and we are delighted to offer people the chance to show their support simply by booking a holiday.
“If we have created one positive out of Covid-19 then it is learning new ways of thinking, sharing a spirit of community and kindness.
“Suicide has been too hidden over the years, almost a taboo. Why shouldn’t we consider and talk about these things in everyday life? If that means talking about suicide prevention when you are planning and booking a holiday, why not?”
Customers donate 5% of their holiday price directly to PAPYRUS through the JustGiving fundraising platform. Once that donation has been made Charitable Travel deducts the same amount from the price of the holiday, meaning the customer’s donation is free.
For example a package holiday costing £1,500 would raise £75 for PAPYRUS or a charity of the holidaymaker’s choice.
Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of PAPYRUS, said: “The past few months have been incredibly difficult especially for vulnerable young people.
“Throughout, many individuals, companies and organisations like Charitable Travel have continued to find original, inventive and generous ways of raising money for us.
“A donation from the cost of your next holiday could pay for potentially life-saving calls, texts or emails to our HOPELINE247 service, support the training we offer, assist our work engaging with young people in local communities, help our volunteers and a lot more.
“So let’s all work together to continue giving hope to a young person who is struggling with life.”
Charitable Travel says the initiative is all about giving something back to the community.
Melissa Tilling added: “We are the UK’s first and only social enterprise which is fundraising across the charity sector. As a corporate supporter of PAPYRUS we hope this purposeful relationship will raise funds and increase awareness of the incredible work they do.”
For more details about Charitable Travel go to: www.charitable.travel and for information on how you can donate to PAPYRUS or become a funding partner visit: www.papyrus-uk.org.
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
