The Sun launches new campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention and help combat young people taking their own lives
TODAY The Sun launches a new campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention and help combat the tragic numbers of young people taking their own lives.
An unacceptable 1,600 people under 35 die each year by suicide – a staggering three quarters of whom are men.
Backed by leading suicide prevention charity, Papyrus, we are urging those driven to think about suicide to TALK , to share their concerns with friends, loved ones and professionals before it is too late.
And, our Let’s Talk campaign – last night backed by all three major political parties – asks those same friends and loved ones to talk to anyone they feel is acting suicidal.
Below we hear from Papyrus boss, Ged Flynn, who says: “We need to help children and young people know that all human beings struggle.
“We can’t protect them from pain, but by having open conversations, we can make sure they know they have choices.”
EMOTIONAL PRESSURES ON YOUNG PEOPLE
Last night Suicide Prevention Minister Jackie Doyle-Price said: “Every death by suicide is preventable.
Many organisations can play their part in suicide prevention and I am really pleased that the Sun is launching this campaign.
“Suicide happens when people feel they can’t cope anymore. No one should feel like they can’t ask for help.”
Labour’s shadow minister for mental health, Barbara Keeley MP, said: “Mike Thalassitis’ tragic death should be a wake-up call to the whole country about the emotional pressures that young people face today, not least when they are thrust into the limelight.
“The growing epidemic of mental ill health and suicide among our young people is one of the greatest challenges of our times and needs to be recognised and combatted right across society.
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“That is why I am backing the campaign by the Sun and Papyrus to encourage people to speak up about their mental health.”
Lib Dem MP Norman Lamb, a former health minister, added: “I strongly support this campaign and thank The Sun for making a stand.
“We can do much more, as a country, to save lives.”
- GET professional suicide prevention advice in confidence at PAPYRUS HopelineUK on 0800 068 4141 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org