4 in 5 young people know someone who has had thoughts of suicide, according to the North-West charity Papyrus.

A new study also found that 1 in 3 young people would not know what to say if a friend admitted they were thinking of taking their own life.

Marking International Friendship Day (30 July 2026), Warrington-based Papyrus launched a new campaign to reassure young people that:- “You Don’t Need To Know What To Say.”

30-year-old Georgia knows the importance of reaching out for help. She said:- “When my friend told me they were experiencing suicidal thoughts, I wanted to help. We had an open conversation about how they were feeling and ways to support them, but afterwards I was left wondering ‘had I said the right thing? Should I have done more?’ That’s when I called HopeLine 24/7.”  

The service operates round-the-clock, 365 days a year. Trained suicide prevention advisers offer confidential support by phone, text, email and webchat.    

Georgia said:- “The adviser listened without judgement, helped me put the situation into perspective and reassured me that what I had already done was the right thing. They helped me understand safe boundaries and allowed me to think out loud as to what I felt should be my next step, which gave me the confidence to continue supporting my friend. I called HopeLine 24/7 again the next day for a debrief, and they reminded me that it wasn't my responsibility to make everything better forever, it was about helping someone through this frightening moment. Thankfully, together we helped keep them safe.” 

In the survey Papyrus asked more than 1,000 young people a series of questions about suicide, including if they would feel able to support someone who was struggling with life. The study concluded:-

  • 4 in 5 know someone who has had thoughts of suicide
  • 1 in 3 would not know what to say if a friend was thinking about suicide

 
Papyrus relies on public generosity to help keep its HopeLine 24/7 service running and says a donation of just £15 funds a 30-minute conversation with an adviser which could help to save a young life.

Since the service went round-the-clock in the summer of 2023, the charity has seen a huge increase in demand for its lifesaving services.

In the 1st half of this year the number of webchat contacts increased by 86%, texts were up by 29.3%, emails increased by 25% while calls rose by 6.7% compared to the same period last year.

The charity’s Chief executive, Ged Flynn, said:- “Regrettably the increased demand for our services comes at a time when we are seeing a significant reduction in the voluntary revenue we receive. That means we face real challenges in the way we deliver our vital services. Our work shines a ray of light into the darkness. Right now we are here every minute of every hour, 365 days of the year, giving hope to those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide.”

For more information and to donate go to this website. 

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice, please contact Papyrus HopeLine 24/7 on:- 0300 102 2470, text:- 88247, visit this link for the webchat service or email:- pat@papyrus-uk.org.