A Warrington-based suicide prevention charity launched a series of short films on “World Suicide Prevention Day” to illustrate how cut-backs to its life-saving services could have a devastating impact.
The films made for PAPYRUS and launched yesterday, September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, warn of urgent calls being unanswered through the night, with desperate emails and webchats going unnoticed until the morning.
The Warrington-based charity, which launched an emergency appeal earlier this year, says it will do all it can to continue staffing its HOPELINE247 during the night, when children and young people are struggling through their darkest hours.
Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, PAPYRUS’ chief executive, Ged Flynn, said: “The films depict the unthinkable and the unimaginable. These are dark, worst-case scenarios where children and young people reach out to us for help and we are unable to respond.
“The films also show loved ones who are deeply worried about a child or young person being unable to get the support and reassurance they need during the night.
“These films don’t whisper, they shout. Suicidal thoughts and fears can’t wait until the morning.”
The charity’s emergency appeal has raised more than £354,000 but it needs £440,000 to ensure it can continue providing vital support to young people in crisis.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has already contributed to our emergency appeal. That generosity means that right now our HOPELINE247 service is available every minute of every hour, 365 days of the year, giving hope to those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide,” added Ged Flynn.
“No child or young person deserves to be alone with thoughts of suicide. Our work shines a ray of hope into the darkness.
“Suicides devastate families and friendships, shatter schools and shake the very foundations of our local communities. Every life lost is a tragic waste and yet we believe many young suicides can be prevented.”
PAPYRUS says it is receiving a record number of contacts.
Since its HOPELINE247 service went round-the-clock in the summer of 2023, the charity has seen an 86% increase in the number of contacts received via text and emails. Last year there was a 66% increase in those reaching out via its webchat service.
The four short films were made by the Manchester-based Bank of Creativity. Creative Director, Nick Entwistle, said: “PAPYRUS is an incredible charity offering support day and night for anyone who needs it, when they need it.
“As someone who has seen my family affected by these issues and experienced mental-health struggles myself, I was particularly keen to get involved in this campaign.
“The concept was to dramatise the possibility of a scenario in which PAPYRUS may no longer have enough funding to maintain its 24-hour support through HOPELINE247, something that we must never let happen as suicidal thoughts don’t wait until morning.
“The films feature some brave volunteers and staff who offered their time to bring this powerful concept to life.
“I’m very proud to have helped spread a very important message. Long may the great work of PAPYRUS continue. 24/7.”
To donate to the PAPYRUS emergency appeal go to: justgiving.com/campaign/papyrusemergencyappeal
