We wanted to make you aware of the very sad news that PAPYRUS, the national youth suicide prevention charity, has gone into administration and is closing. 

Importantly for schools, this means that HOPELINE247 is no longer operating.  We know that many schools have included HOPELINE247 within their safeguarding information, suicide prevention resources and safety plans, so please do take some time to review and update any resources (websites, information shared with pupils or parents) or signposting where PAPYRUS or HOPELINE247 is currently listed.

This feels like a significant loss.  At BEP, we have been incredibly proud to have been able to work alongside PAPYRUS over the past eight years.   Their training, resources and commitment to talking openly and safely about suicide have supported countless young people and the adults around them.

We also know how valuable HOPELINE247 has been to school staff themselves.  We have often heard from Mental Health and Safeguarding leads about the times that you have used the service when you have been worried about a young person and needed a knowledgeable person at the other end of the phone to help you think through risk, safety planning and what to do next.  That space to pause, think and not carry the responsibility alone matters enormously.

For anyone needing support now, the following services remain available:

• Childline (via 11-2-1 chat or call 0800 1111)

• Samaritans (call 116 123)

• Shout: text SHOUT to 85258, free, 24 hours a day

• NHS urgent mental health support: call 111 and select the mental health option (option 2)

• In an emergency or where there is immediate risk to life: call 999 or attend A&E

Our thoughts are very much with the PAPYRUS staff and volunteers, as well as the young people, families and professionals who have relied upon their work.

We will share any further information relevant to schools, including updated suicide prevention resources and signposting, as this becomes available.