Meet Claire, Suicide Prevention Adviser at PAPYRUS
We’re proud to support PAPYRUS; a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They believe that most young suicides are preventable, and through their helpline, HOPELINEUK, they provide immediate help and support to any young person facing suicidal thoughts.
Claire is one of HOPELINEUK’s specially trained Suicide Prevention Advisers. For over 4 years she’s been answering calls, responding to texts and replying to emails from young people thinking of suicide and anyone who is concerned for them.
Claire is a Suicide Prevention Adviser on HOPELINEUK
I’ve always been passionate about working with young people…it’s a privilege to support the brave young people who contact us.
Your generous contributions help to fund Claire’s role, so thanks to you she’s there to provide immediate support and advice to those that need it.
Claire and the team support children and young people who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, giving them a confidential opportunity to talk, help to stay safe, and advice on how and where to access further support.
When speaking to those who contact us, I offer suicide prevention advice and provide a safe space to talk about these thoughts and feelings.
Last year calls to HOPELINEUK increased by more than 80%, with the team taking an average of 333 calls, and 1300 texts and emails a week. They work with all genders, ages – some as young as 8 – and situations across the UK.
Children and young people may be experiencing a number of problems and extreme emotional distress which will explain why suicide has become an option for them. Calls can last from 10 minutes to over an hour, and text conversations can stretch over days or weeks at times to keep someone safe.
It’s a chance to build confidence, enabling those experiencing suicidal thoughts to speak openly and honestly in a way they may have never done before due to barriers – such as the fear of not being taken seriously, and the stigma that they may face when they do voice their feelings and worries.
We exist 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.
HOPELINEUK provides a valuable safety net for any young person at risk of suicide or for anyone who is concerned about a young person in their care.
“We are incredibly grateful to all those who have raised money for BBC Children in Need. Without it we would have one fewer Suicide Prevention Adviser and that would mean we would be able to answer fewer calls, text and emails from young people thinking about suicide or anyone concerned with them.”
It’s both a life-changing service and a life-saving service. And, thanks to your donations, Claire and the team will be there for the children and young people that need them
I love working as part of the team at HOPELINEUK. We are united, connected by our passion to help create a suicide safer society. Thank you for joining us in our mission to keep young people safe from suicide.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help and support is available. Visit BBC Action Line, PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide or contact HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141.
