The charity PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide Suicide) has revealed that suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK under the age of 35, and offers a helpline staffed by professional advisers who work with young people and anybody concerned for a young person who may be having thoughts of suicide.

Rochdale MP, Tony Lloyd, said, “Many people’s lives have been touched by suicide, and we should be shocked that suicide is a major killer of young people. But research shows that, with appropriate early intervention and support, suicide can be prevented.

“My message to anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts is to talk to someone. The charity PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide Suicide) has a dedicated suicide prevention service called HOPELINEUK.

“It is staffed by professional advisers who work with young people and anybody concerned for a young person who may be having thoughts of suicide. Talking can really help.”

HOPELINEUK can be reached on 0800 068 4141, or 07860 039 967, or by email at pat@papyrus-uk.org

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Notes for editors:-

Statistics from PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide Suicide shows that:-

·Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK under the age of 35

·In 2018, 1,866 young people under the age of 35 took their own lives

·More than three quarters of them were boys or young men

·On average, more than five young people take their lives each day

·More than 200 schoolchildren are lost to suicide every year

·1 in 5 people will consider suicide at some point within life

· More than 1 in 20 people will attempt suicide at some point within life

·Less than a third of people who die by suicide are known to mental health services

· Research shows that with appropriate early intervention and support, suicide can be prevented.

· Their suicide prevention service, HOPELINEUK, can be reached on 0800 068 4141, or 07860 039 967, or by email at pat@papyrus-uk.org