Suicide prevention project launches

A NEW project has been launched with the aim of reducing young suicides in the north west of England.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death in young people under the age of 35, and the new PAPYRUS Suicide Safer Communities for Young People project will be led by young volunteers.
Emily Atherton, aged 23 from Great Sankey, is one of the volunteers who will be connecting with young people across the north west.
She said: “I was shocked to hear that someone I knew had made a suicide attempt and every day at work I am aware of the distress of those left behind when a young person takes their own life. I want to tell young people that it is OK not to feel OK sometimes and that it is very OK – and important – to talk to someone if you feel you are not coping.”
National charity PAPYRUS was founded in 1997 by a group of parents who had a lost a child through suicide: parents determined to do everything possible to save other families and young people from a similar fate.
Karen May, PAPYRUS regional development manager, said: “Project lead volunteers will deliver suicide prevention activities, including workshops, information points and support campaigns that aim to smash the stigma of young suicide.
“By arming young people with the confidence and skills to recognise and intervene in suicidal behaviour we are building suicide-safer communities and improving the mental wellbeing of young people generally.
“We believe that hearing messages from their peers will encourage many more to talk about how they feel and, vitally, get help to see them through dark times.”