PAPYRUS is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide and the promotion of positive mental health. In this article we explore some of the main facts around young suicide and how PAPYRUS is driving change.

Two Hundred Deaths Each Year

In the UK, ‘Over 200 schoolchildren are lost to suicide every year in the UK.’ (Source: Papyrus, 2023). However, statistics for suicide among young people are only available for the 10 to 14 age group because ‘suicides by children under 10 are 

not included in official statistics.’ 

Main Factors For Suicide By Young People

According to research, suicide is one of the main causes of death in young people in the UK. Furthermore, studies show that suicide in young people may be connected to,

“Poor mental health; self-harm; academic pressures or worries; bullying; social isolation; family environment and bereavement; relationship problems; substance misuse; or neglect.”

Source:  State of Child Health website, 2023

Negative experiences in childhood, social deprivation and physical health problems are also noted as risk factors.

Talking About Suicide Prevention

PAPYRUS believe that, ‘far fewer people are talking about suicide prevention’ (for young people) and that ‘stigma, silence and misconceptions around suicide’ often stop suicide being talked about in normal life.  They also identified a lack of suicide prevention training for staff who work with young people in educational and other institutions.

Sharing Suicidal Thoughts With Teachers

A 2017 survey, commissioned by PAPYRUS, discovered that one in ten teachers, or 11%, stated that  ‘on average, a student shares suicidal thoughts with them once a term or more’. Their research revealed a real need for support and training in suicide prevention with people working in educational settings. 

Guidance Needed for Schools and Colleges

Young people spend most of their day at school and college, so PAPYRUS believe that staff have a chance to spot the telltale signs that a pupil is at risk. The staff can then take the necessary action to safeguard the young person's well-being. 

Also, the survey showed that staff members are ‘unsure of what to do or say’ and are worried that they ‘may make things worse’ by talking to their pupils about suicide. Plus, it identified a lack of guidance for schools and colleges on how to prevent suicide and support those affected. 

How are PAPYRUS Supporting Young People And Staff?

There is a PAPYRUS HopelineUK telephone line from 9 am to midnight every day. It supports young people feeling suicidal or anyone who knows someone in that situation. The PAPYRUS phone line is intended to help the following groups:

• “Young people, children, family, parents, siblings, partners, carers, grandparents
• Concerned friends: at work, in school, college, university
• GPs, nurses, teachers, school nurses, A&E staff, pastoral staff
• Mental health professionals: CAMHS staff, CPNs, psychiatrists
• Education staff: teachers, lecturers, learning mentors, education social workers
• Police, ambulance staff, prison staff, drug and alcohol services, probation workers”

Source: Papyrus website, 2023

Other Ways PAPYRUS Supports Schools

Their research showed a lack of resources in schools and colleges for suicide prevention and that mental health services in the community are under-resourced. To fill this gap, PAPYRUS has published a guide for teachers and staff, ‘Building Suicide-Safer Schools and Colleges: A Guide for Teachers and Staff’. 

They also run a ‘Save The Class’ campaign and welcome feedback to help develop their educational materials. PAPYRUS also train staff in school, colleges and other settings and uses this work as case studies. Their overall goal is to positively influence national and local policies for suicide prevention in young people.

Supporting Suicide Prevention In Our Communities

Along with our association, SAIF (The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors), we wholeheartedly support the work PAPYRUS is doing for communities across the UK and encourage you to visit their website.

Please help support PAPYRUS; https://saif.org.uk/about-saif/whos-who/#president

For more information, help or advice; https://www.papyrus-uk.org/