PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide

When somebody is struggling with thoughts of suicide, they are often reminded to 'reach out for help'. We know how difficult it can be for somebody who is struggling to put their feelings into words, and reach out to the likes of a friend, family member, support service or counsellor. That's why it's incredibly important that we promote a shift to 'reach in to help'. Research proves that asking a young person if they are experiencing thoughts of suicide can actually reduce the risk of them ending their life. Asking and determining if that person is feeling suicidal gives you the opportunity to explore those feelings further and support them to stay safe. It's not always easy to know if someone is suicidal, however, there may be signs to look out for; some more obvious than others. You can read more about suicidal invitations on the PAPYRUS website. #SuicidePrevention

Suicide is complex and is rarely a result of a single factor. On HOPELINE247, we support young people in staying safe from suicide for now; however, we can also signpost to relevant support services that offer longer-term support with things that may contribute to their thoughts of suicide. You can find a list of support services on our website here: https://lnkd.in/e5cUfzY If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out to HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141. Our advisers are here to support you all day, every day, 365 days a year.💜

💭 WHAT IS A SUICIDE SAFETY PLAN? A suicide safety plan is a written guide for helping someone navigate suicidal feelings and urges. It serves as a step-by-step tool to navigate challenging moments and access long-term support. A suicide safety plan can also help you support someone who is having suicidal thoughts. 💜 WHEN TO CREATE A PLAN? We encourage people to create their plan when thoughts of suicide aren't overpowering, involving someone you trust for suggestions. You can also collaborate with Suicide Prevention Advisers from HOPELINE247, ensuring personalised and evolving support. 💜 WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A SUICIDE SAFETY PLAN? To build your suicide safety plan, make a list of everything you need to complete each of the below steps. The plan should be simple enough that it is easy to put into action when you need it. We would advise you to put your suicide safety plan in writing and keep it in a place where you can easily find it should the need arise. • Why do I want to stay safe? Connecting with reasons to stay safe amid suicidal thoughts is crucial. This section can include anything from daily goals to personal connections or meaningful activities. • Making my environment safer Identifying potential means for self-harm and creating barriers between them and yourself offers critical moments for reconsideration when thoughts of suicide intensify. • What might make it harder for me to stay safe right now and what can I do about this? Address factors hindering your safety and strategise safeguards for moments of suicidal thoughts, whether related to substance use, past experiences, mental health concerns, or immediate triggers. • What can I do to stay safe right now? Compile actionable steps for immediate safety, including coping mechanisms, basic needs fulfilment, and distraction techniques. Starting these strategies early aids in identifying warning signs or vulnerabilities. • What strengths do I have that I can use to stay safe? Explore personal strengths — creativity, organisational skills, support systems, faith, or qualities from admired individuals —to empower and aid in tough times. • Who can I reach out to for help? List trustworthy friends, family, helplines such as HOPELINE247, or emergency services for immediate aid. Also, outline plans for long-term support services and strategies. A suicide safety plan isn't just about the immediate — it's a tool for navigating challenging moments and seeking lasting support, providing hope for a brighter future. HOPELINE247 is here all day, every day, to offer guidance and help you develop a personalised safety plan to help you navigate difficult times. You can find a Suicide Safety Plan template on the PAPYRUS website here: https://lnkd.in/eCVRj9kZ #SuicidePrevention #LearnonLinkedIn

📣 We are looking for mutually beneficial corporate partnerships to support our vital work. With your business’s support, you can help us to be here for life. 💜 WHO ARE PAPYRUS? PAPYRUS is the only national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. Our mission is to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives, by shattering the stigma surrounding suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to emotional distress. Every three minutes, a distressed young person contacts HOPELINE247, our suicide prevention helpline. These calls, texts, and webchats come during their darkest hours —sometimes in the middle of the night, when other services may not be available. 💜 WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PARTNERSHP WITH PAPYRUS? ➡️ Suicide prevention training for your workforce. ➡️ Access to PAPYRUS' exciting challenge event calendar with support from our event partners too. ➡️ Volunteering opportunities for your employees. ➡️ PAPYRUS branded merchandise for event participants, and a bespoke discount code at our online shop for additional items. ➡️ Tailored ideas and inspiration from our corporate support team, including digital and postal support packs, through a dedicated email address. For more information about corporate partnerships with PAPYRUS, email corporate@papyrus-uk.org. We look forward to hearing from you 💜

This week, we are proud to be supporting Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Together let’s change the narrative to understand, accept, and celebrate neurodiversity! 💜

🌟 PAPYRUS Volunteer Spotlight 🌟 Across the UK, PAPYRUS is supported by incredible volunteers who help us save many young lives from suicide by building suicide-safer communities and helping to break down the stigma surrounding suicide. PAPYRUS volunteer Lee, held the first Warrington Wellbeing Walk on Sunday 19 January, at Moore Nature Reserve. By hosting these walks, they are helping to raise awareness of mental health and the vast number of charities and organisations who provide support to people within the Warrington area. It was an incredible opportunity for PAPYRUS volunteers and staff to attend, and to share our resources with members of the local community. Due to the success of the first Warrington Wellbeing Walk, with over 80 attendees, Lee and the team are hosting the second one on 23 March 2025! Thank you so much to our incredible volunteers across the UK for your support. 💜

We're supporting Student Minds this Uni Mental Health Day. No student should be held back by their mental health. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, and every year we lose around 200 teenagers to suicide. We want to remind students that we are here to support you. HOPELINE247, our suicide prevention helpline, is staffed by advisers who want to work with you to understand why thoughts of suicide might be present. They also want to provide you with a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life that could be impacting on your or anyone else’s ability to stay safe. If you work at a university, whether you're a lecturer or you work in student support, or if you're a student who might be concerned about your friend - we can help you support a young person you are concerned about. Our advisers can support you to start a conversation about suicide and explore options of how best to support them. Contact HOPELINE247 by: 📞 0800 068 41 41 📱 'HOPE' to 88247 📧 pat@papyrus-uk.org 🌐 https://lnkd.in/d9gh8Qs

Run, walk, swim or cycle 2km a day, 24km a week or 247km over the month of April for PAPYRUS! Every step, every kilometre helps keep our helpline, HOPELINE247, open 24 hours a day 7 days a week — because our young people need support 24/7. 💜 Join the challenge today to support our Emergency Appeal and help bring light into the darkest moments. Sign up here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eUMpJW8R #MoveTowardsHOPE

MYTH: Only experts can prevent suicides. FACT: Anyone can prevent a suicide. Often, the person needs a human connection. We all play a role in preventing young suicides. Often, those who are feeling suicidal need a human connection and by reaching out to your loved ones, you can support them to stay safe from suicide. 💜 For more information on starting that conversation about suicide, read our blog here: https://lnkd.in/eN4FfdFE

Are your studies causing you anxiety? Remember, you are not alone, and you absolutely deserve support. If thoughts of suicide are impacting you, know that support is available. Read through this post to learn about available support options and ways to look after yourself. If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide, our HOPELINE247 advisers are here to offer free, confidental support and advice. Call 0800 068 4141, text HOPE to 88247 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org. 💜