Suicide is the biggest killer of young people both, male and female, under 35 in the UK.

PAPYRUS Suicide Charity offers a confidential support and advice service for young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through a helpline, called HOPELINEUK.

Founded in 1997 by a mother, Jean Kerr, from Lancashire following the loss of her son to suicide. PAPYRUS was initially set up as the Parents’ Association for the Prevention of Young Suicide, hence the name PAPYRUS.

Since 1997, PAPYRUS has continued to listen to and learn from the experiences of those personally touched by young suicide. Today, PAPYRUS works to engage communities and volunteers in suicide prevention projects and deliver training programmes to individuals and groups. This includes equipping local councils, healthcare professionals and school staff with suicide prevention skills. Their mission is to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

The RLSS UK has developed a partnership with PAPYRUS Suicide Charity to develop and build on strategies to help to tackle suicide-related drownings in the UK, through gaining access to confidential advice, support and training for members.  The focus at the moment is particularly younger members, beach and pool lifeguards who are facing uncertainty and anxious times ahead.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be you can contact HOPELINEUK for confidential support and practical advice.

Call: 0800 068 4141

Text: 07860039967

Email: [email protected]

Opening hours: 9am – 10pm weekdays, 2pm – 10pm weekends, 2pm – 10pm Bank Holidays