UP-and-coming comedian and suicide prevention worker Tommy North is using laughter to raise vital funds to help save young lives.
Tommy North is hoping to raise £500 for Warrington-based national charity Papyrus with his comedy show Stand Up To Suicide at the Morecambe Bay Fringe Festival on July 26 and the extended Carnforth Fringe on August 8.
He said: “I have worked in suicide prevention for a number of years and what I have found is that humour is such a powerful tool to build rapport, manage wellbeing and essentially keep people safe.
“I want to give people confidence to talk about suicide openly and normalise conversations as well as reiterating the importance of reaching out for support. I feel doing a comedy show about suicide will ensure people are engaged and remember the key messages I share.
“I also just want people to come, enjoy the show and have a good time. Laughter is the best medicine! I am really looking forward to raising awareness about suicide and helping to smash the stigma which surrounds it in a fun yet safe and supportive way.”
Suicide is the biggest killer of people under the age of 35 in the UK. Every year more than 200 schoolchildren are lost to suicide.
Generous fundraising helps Papyrus to run a confidential helpline service, HopeLine 24/7, which offers practical advice and support to young people who are struggling with life and anyone who is concerned about a young person who may be having thoughts of suicide.
HopeLine 24/7 is staffed by trained professionals and offers a telephone, text, webchat and email service.
Fundraising also helps Papyrus to offer suicide prevention initiatives in local communities, supports a network of volunteers and enables the charity to offer training to individuals and organisations across the UK.
Tommy will also be able to take donations in person on each of his comedy nights.
