Continuing the Yorkshire Rural Support Network’s spotlight series to raise awareness of the varied organisations and charities that make up our Network, today we’re focusing on the work that Papyrus undertake.
Papyrus works alongside farming organisations, rural schools and community networks across the UK to raise awareness of suicide prevention, reduce stigma and make sure young people in rural areas know that support is available.
Rural and farming communities face pressures that are often invisible to the outside world.
Long hours, financial uncertainty, isolation and limited access to services can make it harder for young people to ask for help when they’re struggling. Papyrus understands this. Because wherever you live and whatever you do, you should never have to face your darkest moments alone.
Papyrus supports young people and those who care about them across Yorkshire and the wider North of England.
Through their free and confidential HopeLine 24/7 service, anyone under 35 who is struggling with thoughts of suicide, or anyone worried about a young person, can reach out at any time of day or night.
You can contact Papyrus by calling 0300 102 2470 or sending a text to 88247. The organisation is also available via email pat@papyrus-uk.org or at their website www.papyrus-uk.org
Papyrus deliver suicide prevention training and resources to farming organisations, rural schools, colleges and community groups, helping people feel confident having safe conversations, spotting the signs and knowing what to do next. Because in rural communities, the people closest to someone who is struggling are often the first to notice.
This summer, Papyrus is coming to you. Thanks to two years of generous funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, they’re targeting boys and men across York and North Yorkshire with a programme of outreach, awareness and suicide prevention support.
James Parkes, from Papyrus tells us more:
Around 3 agricultural workers take their own lives every week in the UK. We know that men and boys in rural and farming communities face unique pressures, and that isolation can make it harder to reach out for help. Papyrus is working at grassroots level to change that.
We’ll be visible at agricultural shows including the Great Yorkshire Show, auction marts and community events across the region, building connections, reducing stigma and making sure people know where to turn.
We believe suicide is everyone’s business. We’ll be offering training and talks, sharing resources and equipping communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.
Come and find us. Have a conversation. Pick up some resources. The more we talk about suicide, the more lives we can save. We’d love to see you.
The Yorkshire Rural Support Network is funded and supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and is a partnership of farming organisations, charities and voluntary agencies that together promote and provide sources of help – whether practical, financial, medical or emotional: Find out more
To find out more about Papyrus to benefit from the various ways they can help, please visit papyrus-uk.org
