PAPYRUS
prevention of young suicide
Young survivor offers HOPE (see inside)
CEO Report
PAPYRUS
prevention of young suicide Welcome to the newsletter of the national charity PAPYRUS.
Summer 2013 no.50 Contact details PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide 67 Bewsey Street Warrington Cheshire WA2 7JQ. Tel: 01925 572 444 Fax: 01925 240 502 email: admin@papyrus-uk.org web: www.papyrus-uk.org For support, practical advice and information concerning suicide prevention call the PAPYRUS helpline:
HOPELineUK 0800 068 41 41 Or text or email us:
SMS: 07786 209697 e-mail: pat@papyrus-uk.org Patrons: Rt Hon David Hanson MP, Rt Hon David Heathcoat-Amory, Simon Hughes MP.
This newsletter is available online at www.papyrus-uk.org/NL/50 Back copies of previous newsletters are also on the website. Please note, the views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial team or of PAPYRUS as an organisation. Any information contained in this newsletter is intended for guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice. No responsibility for loss occasioned as a result of any person acting or refraining from acting because of what is written in the newsletter can be accepted by the publisher, authors or the PAPYRUS Trustees.
Registered Charity Number 1070896. A Company Limited By Guarantee Number 3555482.
We are ALWAYS looking for people to get involved with PAPYRUS so if there's something you'd like to do to help, please contact PAPYRUS on admin@papyrus-uk.org or on 01925 572 444.
2 PAPYRUS SUMMER 2013
Dear Members and friends Welcome to the issue number 50 of our newsletter. Since 1997, PAPYRUS has issued a newsletter three times per year to keep its members updated and informed. Looking back, there has been much activity and growth over the years. We have much still to do but it is really important that we recognise that we are building on the work of all who have worked so hard since our foundation in 1997. Early newsletters show notes from meetings in local venues, reports of appearances on TV and radio by parents who had been touched by the suicide of
one of their own family. Some 16 years on, PAPYRUS continues this important work, ensuring that we do all we can to raise awareness that many young suicides may be prevented. Our Annual Conference is always an opportunity to take stock, to review and to celebrate what we have been able to do in the previous year. This year’s conference was no exception. You can read all about it in this issue. Thank you to all who made the event such a success and especially to those who joined us for the first time. It is always a privilege to speak to
Out&about At PAPYRUS we are often asked to speak at conferences and events. In an effort to know more about particular communities and how they might respond to suicide risk in young people, we are always keen to hear of experiences of young people and those at the coal face in services and in the community. We offer practical advice to those who work with young people at risk as well as to young people themselves. We are eager to build relationships with other organisations which support young people’s well being. Over recent months, PAPYRUS has been building relationships and raising community awareness of young suicide prevention in various places. Sometimes we are asked to visit a college where there has been a recent suicide. At other times, we will be part of a day which gives young people access to different agencies in their community. Sometimes we are simply in listening mode; at other times we offer advice and information. What follows may give you a flavour of our outreach activity. ! We attended the recent Wellbeing Conference organised by Lancashire NHS Trust. This was attended by some 200 health professionals. It was great to hear their questions and share their experiences. Building on this, we then attended the Local Children and Young People’s Trust meetings to meet other local professionals who work in the field and helping to raise awareness of the work that we do. We have also met with other local community organisations, academics from local universities and colleagues from various statutory services to see how our services can be best promoted and help to build resilience and emotional wellbeing amongst young people. We have been
PAPYRUS IN THE
exploring how we might work with one of the prisons in the region to provide direct access to our helpline for offenders in their care. We have also trained colleagues in ASIST in this area. ! PAPYRUS recently presented at a Conference hosted by Young Minds and Greater Manchester West Child & Adolescent Mental Health Trust to health professionals and young people. We have also used our SuicideTALK seminar in Manchester City Centre to look at issues of stigma in relation to suicide. This has helped us forge new relationships with providers working with those who had experienced abuse and with some colleagues from the homelessness sector. ! One of the activities we have been supporting is a local MindArt project which links mental health experiences and creative ways of expressing thoughts and feelings. The team has also participated in various World Café Events, forging links with local third sector organisations and also local supporters. ! In April, we were invited to speak about young suicide prevention at a bereavement conference hosted by West Midlands CRUSE. This highlighted the work that we do to their volunteers and members and reached over 100 people within the region. We have also continued to provide input to the new intake of student nurses at Glyndwr University in Wrexham. ! We have recently provided training to the North West Independent School Nurses Forum. Over 30 school nurses across North Wales and the North West of England looked with us at the reality of intervening in local contexts. ! We were invited to speak at the
Contents those for whom young suicide is a personal reality: throughout the year, many of you have spoken to us about your own experiences and shared the hope that many seek. Thank you for all your hard work in the name of PAPYRUS and for the support that you give to the charity. Together we can – and do – help to save young lives. Best wishes
Media circles
4
Training
7
Conference report
8
Help is at Hand
9
HOPEWalk
10
FAQ
11
GED FLYNN Chief Executive
US IN THE COMMUNITY Methodist Action North West Conference on Suicide Prevention reaching over 160 people who work across various sectors in public life. It is always so encouraging when we are asked at these events to come and talk to others. We have, as a consequence, been asked to support a local counselling agency with training, work with a couple of local faith groups and we gained a number of new members through this event. ! We also attended the North West Suicide Reduction Summit which was organised by the Cheshire and Merseyside Suicide Prevention Partnership. It was good to see how broad the spectrum of suicide prevention is. Our focus is always to ensure that young suicide is part of people’s awareness. ! More recently, in Alloa, we provided training on suicide prevention to Scottish Autism staff who work in a variety of roles from working on the helpline, face to face, drop in sessions and within a training capacity. PAPYRUS was very well received and we hope to continue building our relationships within the region in the future.
12-15
FUNdraising
From the Board ... We are delighted to welcome to the PAPYRUS Board two new members. They will join us as trustees having been co-opted earlier in the year. Welcome Sophie and Annessa! Annessa Rebair (Bsc) Hons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, RMN Having worked in the NHS for 20 years, Annessa left a senior clinical post as Matron for acute in-patient services last year to pursue a career in academia. She is currently a senior lecturer in Mental Health at the University of West England. Annessa has experience as a nurse and manager in a variety of settings including community mental health teams, drug and alcohol and harm reduction services, outreach teams and acute in-patient settings. Her passion is promoting and ensuring a safe quality patient experience through values-based nursing. Her areas of speciality are Solution Focused Approaches, Coaching and Leadership. Annessa has presented at National and European Conferences regarding this. Sophie Pickard (BA) Hons, Commercial Photographic Practice
Having completed her degree in her hometown of Newcastle upon Tyne, Sophie is currently working as a freelance photographer in London. She is a multiple award winner and her fashion imagery has been exhibited in a number of prestigious galleries. She has worked for some of the The limiting of access to means is most influential UK fashion photographers including Rankin a proven way of preventing suicide. and Elisabeth Hoff. She became involved with PAPYRUS after her brother “I have discovered that my son had been in contact with Dan died by suicide three years ago. The work that someone he had befriended on a suicide website in the PAPYRUS undertakes is of great interest to Sophie. She weeks leading up to his death. I believe he was encouraged has already been able to advise the board on ways of to do what he did and that many sick and vulnerable people connecting with younger people as well as marketing and are brainwashed through these websites into thinking that fundraising matters and she wants to support the charity death is the only answer to their problems. I wish there was even more by becoming a member of the Board of some way of barring them.” PAPYRUS member Trustees and representing those younger people who have Our internet campaign aims to reduce access to harmful been affected by suicide in their family or friendship group. information online. Every penny we receive helps us to work to save young lives. Please support our work.
Campaign message
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Thank you. (Internet campaign update see p5). PAPYRUS SUMMER 2013 3
Youngsurvivor Beth is 18 years old. She asked could she share some of her own story with our readers to encourage others who may be fighting thoughts of suicide. “I was looking forward to high school, new people, new places etc. The good times sadly didn’t last very long though. I started having a few problems with some people, but at that time they weren’t happening very often, so it wasn’t affecting me too much. I told my teachers what was happening. I was very scared of my head of year so I didn’t feel very comfortable telling her what was happening, but I did, and she said she would try to sort it out. Each year the bullying was getting a little worse. By year 10 I had no friends whatsoever. I was on my own all the time. I wouldn’t go to school because I was scared and I cried so much! They were so horrible to me. They used to say things to me and laugh at me. I went to my head of year who sorted everything out between us, but even now, four years later, I can’t forget about what happened. In year 11 this was when things were terrible for me. I was being bullied every single day, I was called fat, ugly, slag; I was pushed around, sworn at, shouted at, people made rumours up about me, if I was in a relationship they would break us up by asking the guy why he was with me because I was so ugly and fat. They used to throw things at me: food, notes on a piece of paper scrunched up, all sorts of things. They once threw a rock at my head which made me get very dizzy and I nearly fainted. I was in a car crash and someone said “It’d be good if she’d died”. There was no escaping it; even when I was out with my friends, something would happen. One time I went out for a walk. I heard some people talking and they started following me, shouting and swearing at me. I was so scared, I ran home, and they didn’t stop following me until I finally got into my house. I was starting to feel miserable because of everything that was happening, I was given counselling in school but, because, at this time, I was so unhappy, I’d started to self harm and I’d made a suicide attempt. The school counsellor couldn’t see me anymore because of how ‘severe’ things were. I was referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service where I was given therapy. I had to see a psychiatrist who tried to work out what was wrong etc, they talked about me going on medication but at the time, I didn’t want medication. I didn’t 4 PAPYRUS SUMMER 2013
want to get better – and I definitely didn’t want to live. I thought everyone was working against me because they were all telling me how I shouldn’t self harm and try to kill myself, when really, I was so miserable. I couldn’t see another way out. My self harm was getting terrible over time, and my suicidal thoughts were now in my head every single day. I stayed on at school for another year, for sixth form, but my concentration was terrible so I didn’t do very well in my AS Level exams, and at the end of the year I realised I couldn’t stay there another year, I was still being bullied and the school just had too many horrible memories for me. After leaving sixth form I didn’t do anything at all for a year, I didn’t go to college, I didn’t work, I wasn’t well enough at all to do anything, I just stayed home all day every day, scared of everything and everyone ‘outside of the four walls’. Mum would put me under pressure because I wasn’t doing anything, I’d have my therapy and I’d go to the doctors but that was it, and I couldn’t go on my own, I couldn’t do anything on my own, I had to have someone go with me. Been there When I was in my very low place I put together a blog which I used to speak up about what had happened to me and what I was going through. I still blog now and it is so successful! I hope that it helps people to know that I have been there and I got through it and there are so many other people too! My message to others: Things do get better. Just look at me. I’m on a work placement at the moment doing an NVQ in customer service and currently looking to set up my own charity. I have a boyfriend who treats me great. He calls me beautiful all the time, although I still can’t see that quite yet. I’m still not over what I’ve been through. I have bad days, but what’s keeping me here is that I can help people with my story. My confidence is still terrible but not as bad as it was. My mood is still bad and I still get suicidal but again, not as bad as I was. I’m on medication for my depression. I just take every day one step at a time. It’s good to be in touch with PAPYRUS through Twitter and HOPELineUK. Don’t forget people: We can do this, we’re stronger than we think!”
HOPELineUK 0800 068 41 41
The media must inform about suicide, while avoiding excessive details about the method Reporting on suicide is extremely difficult, but the Vice feature is an example of glamorising suicide – and there wasn’t even a news hook Occasionally it is said there is no such thing as a bad idea. Wrong. People come up with absolute shockers quite frequently but they rarely make it past the first page of the real or metaphorical flip chart. Insofar as newspapers and magazines are concerned, derisive howls from desk editors stop most stinky proposals in their tracks. But from time to time, the bad idea becomes a very shocking reality, as has been demonstrated this week by the appearance in Vice magazine of a fashion feature which amounted to a deeply unsettling smorgasbord of death by suicide. It is undoubtedly one of those occasions when the collective eyebrow of the reading public is raised to the sky and it is widely wondered what the bloody hell the editor was thinking. In its striking lack of taste it put me in mind of one of the more egregious cases that crossed my desk during ten years at the Press Complaints Commission. A real life magazine ran a feature about a woman who had escaped the clutches of a violent partner, only to see him move onto a new victim, who he subsequently killed. This story was grim enough but a bright spark had the cracking idea to mock up a picture of how the body of the deceased may have looked when discovered. One trainee-journalist-sprawledon-the-floor-covered-with-bin-bags later and
Media circles The author Will Gore is Deputy Managing Editor of The Independent, i, Independent on Sunday and the London Evening Standard. He was formerly Director of External & Public Affairs at the Press Complaints Commission. a gross intrusion into the grief of the dead woman's family was complete. The fact that the item appeared almost exactly at the first anniversary of her death was presumably coincidental. Either way, thumbs up all round. As for coverage of suicide, the closest parallel to the Vice feature I can think of is a case which also came to the PCC, this time involving a 'news' item in the Daily Sport headlined 'The Top Yourself 10' – a jolly rundown of the top ten suicide hotspots in Britain, based on a rather dryer police report. While the article was shocking, it allowed the PCC for the first time to uphold a complaint under a clause of the Editors' Code of Practice which had been introduced in 2006: “When reporting suicide, care should be taken to avoid excessive detail about the method used.” In its ruling against the Daily Sport – Vice take note – the PCC concluded that: “The problem with this case was that it was an entirely gratuitous guide to where individuals have killed themselves, and explicitly pointed out to people that there were a number of options about how and where to attempt suicide. This was clearly excessive in the context. The Commission was also concerned that the light-hearted presentation of the piece…may have glamorised suicide in the eyes of some readers. As the Code is designed to minimise the chances of imitative suicides, this was a further breach of the Code.” The Press Complaints Commission had started to take an increasing interest in the reporting of suicide following the media’s response to an unusually high number of
suicides in and around Bridgend in 2007/08. The then Chairman, Sir Christopher Meyer, travelled to South Wales to meet families and local authorities. PCC staff began to work closely with Bridgend’s MP Madeleine Moon and with relevant charities (notably Samaritans and Papyrus) and academics. Evidence about the potential for ‘copycat’ suicides is strong. The ‘Werther effect’, so-named after the central character in Goethe’s novel ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’, can result from both fictional and factual representations of suicide in any medium – and has been discerned in a variety of instances. It has occasionally been put to me that a reported method is so gruesome that surely nobody in their right mind would want to copy it. But of course that is rather the point: the large majority of people who take their own lives are suffering from an unbalanced state of mind at the time. Nevertheless, suicide can be newsworthy and the media faces a challenge to balance the imperative to inform – especially when a suicide happens in a public place – and the need to avoid excessive details about method and the possibility of glamorising the act. The apparent double suicide of two teenagers, who were hit by a train in Hertfordshire on Monday, is a case in point. On the whole, reporting in this area has improved considerably in the last five years, and the shock that greeted the Vice’s fashion feature is indicative of that. Yet it is also a reminder of the continued need for care, not only in contemporaneous reports of specific incidents but also in the context of material that has no news hook whatsoever.
Internet
UPDATE We continue to pursue the internet campaign on a number of fronts. Certain sad and high profile cases have again ensured that internet pornography has been much in the news and we try to ensure that the dangers of suicide websites and chatrooms, and potential misuse of the social media, are also taken into account. Contacts with the Department of Health have continued at official and Ministerial level and they remain keen for PAPYRUS to play a part in working with the internet firms to ensure that the internet is safer, at the very least for children. A lively workshop (sadly time was against us) at our conference demonstrated that this remains an issue of considerable concern to our members. It so happened that the following day it was announced that Talktalk and Virgin media were to provide a ‘clean feed’ facility which will enable parents to block adult content from every wi-fi enabled device in a home with a single click. It has not been made clear whether this will include the suicide sites, so this is something we will be pursuing in the near future. Meanwhile we also continue to press for coroners to ensure that police investigate all computers and e-devices of young suicides and present the findings at the inquest; and for a central body to accept responsibility for suicide aspects of the internet – both the IWF (Internet Watch Foundation - the industry body) and CEOP (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, under government auspices) decline to do so. We are awaiting the start of some DofH-funded research to be led by Bristol Universtity; PAPYRUS will be members of the steering group for the work and will play some part in the research. There is likely to be an opportunity for some of our members with experience of the dangers of the internet to relate their personal experiences to the research team.
This article appeared in The Independent newspaper on 19 June and is reproduced here with kind permission of the publisher. PAPYRUS SUMMER 2013 5
Media A drop in Radio waves Listeners in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire tuned into BBC Radio Three Counties on Fathers’ Day may have heard Beryl Edwards, in the studio, talking about the impact on her family and the friends of her grandson, Dave Hart. Dave sadly took his own life in November 2011. He was 17. Beryl was a guest on #shrinkwrapped, the regular Sunday programme devoted to all aspects of disability and mental health, hosted by Toby Friedner. Ged Flynn joined the programme via telephone link to explain how PAPYRUS is helping to save young lives. Not only did our charity gain considerable very valuable air time to raise awareness of the scandal that young suicide is across the UK, it is these opportunities that raise awareness of the need for us to continue our work. That air time would have cost thousands of pounds to buy. However, without Beryl giving up her Sunday to drive two hours to the Luton studio, that opportunity would have been missed. A spokesperson for the charity alone was not what the programme producers desired. On regional radio today, even if the subject matter is of major interest nationally, individual stations insist on contributions from people in their audience reach. My sincere thanks, therefore, to Beryl and to those of you who have supported PAPYRUS by sharing your experiences. It is not easy to talk about the loss of a loved one – more so when it is destined for print or broadcast. Be assured that I do understand. Sometimes there is a need to protect other family members. Sometimes we turn down opportunities where there is a risk of insensitive or irresponsible media reporting, especially on mention of suicide method. As a charity we are lobbying for not only removal of the word ‘excessive’ in the Editor’s Code of Practice, but for removal of any mention of method. But we do have supporters in media circles. Will Gore, Deputy Managing Editor of the national Independent newspaper wrote an excellent article recently, which we publish here with the newspaper’s permission. Do read it (See page 5). Rosemary Vaux on 020 8943 5343 or email pressoffice@papyrus-uk.org
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the ocean?
Our son Dave died in November 2011 aged 17. Within days we were contacted by the Safeguarding Children Board and met with a representative – ironically, he was suddenly a ‘juvenile’ and the medical profession wanted to talk to us whereas they wouldn’t have done whilst he was alive! A few months later we were offered a ‘read only’ inquest by the Coroner who had no doubts that it was suicide. We initially accepted this and a date was set. However, we were also offered the opportunity to see all the various reports the coroner had gathered, including GP’s, CAMHS, police etc. We weren’t convinced we wanted to see them, but felt that we might later regret it. We were so glad that we did request them as they showed up many errors and failings, both human and operational within the NHS. We felt strongly that these errors had contributed to Dave’s death and needed to be highlighted. We were also helped by a GP friend who alerted us to the GMC 0-18 guidelines for GP’s which, from our perspective, makes it clear that confidentiality can and even should be broken when there is risk of death. The situation for 16-17 year olds is a grey area and we felt it needed addressing. An ex-lawyer friend of ours agreed
with our feelings and helped us frame a letter to the Coroner outlining our case and requesting a full inquest. This didn’t happen until September – over 10 months after Dave’s death. During that time we also became aware of a Serious Untoward Incident (SUI) review that happens in these cases. We asked to see this review and immediately saw a number of missing details and we were able to meet with the two people leading the review and put our case. We were also able to meet with the Safeguarding Children Board representatives and again state our case over confidentiality, as well as highlighting the problems and issues. We were pleasantly surprised by their response – they agreed with us and even wanted to raise some of the issues nationally. It was also clear that some changes had already been made. They also told us that a local Somerset GP was in the process of devising a new referral form for mental health cases and
Confidentiality can and should be broken when there
Thanks to Professor Williams Ten years ago, in our newsletter, we reported that Professor Mark Williams had agreed to take on the role of Professional Advisor to PAPYRUS. Since then it has been very enriching to know that he was there to support and take an interest in our work. Back then he wrote something which we still hold dear:
‘Suicide is such a devastating event, it defies understanding. The search for answers can end in deep frustration. The work of PAPYRUS gives heart to those who, despite having few explanations for their own tragedy, want to do their utmost to ensure it doesn’t happen to others. By its literature and its lobbying, it is allowing people to hear a hitherto unheard voice. Clinicians, researchers and policy makers need to listen carefully to what PAPYRUS is saying.’ As Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Oxford, Principal Research Fellow and Director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, Mark has been working closely with the Centre
of Suicide Research since 2003 to investigate psychological mechanisms in suicidal behaviour in recurrent depression. His research and work in Mindfulness is well documented, focusing on
ASIST course improves skills would we like to have some input. We met with the GP for a whole afternoon recently and were able to suggest changes to the form and input our thoughts into the process. At the inquest the Coroner was very helpful, allowing us room to put across our points. In his narrative he used Rule 43 of the Coroners Rules 1984 to write to a number of different people and NHS departments. We believe that the moral of our story is this: it is painful continually recounting the details surrounding Dave’s death, but we do so in the hope that others will be saved as a result. We may feel that we have little influence but believe that we never know what will come of even a single conversation. Someone once suggested that what Mother Teresa was doing in Calcutta was just a ‘drop in the ocean’ compared to the size of the problem. She is said to have replied something like ‘But isn’t the ocean made up of drops?’. We would just like to encourage everyone to take the opportunities they are given to highlight the problem of suicide and current systems. Together we can make a difference. Lynne and Don Hart
hen there is risk of death.
ms
understanding the psychological processes that underlie depression and suicidal behaviour and the development of new psychological treatments. He co-developed Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and is the author of several books, including ‘Suicide and Attempted Suicide’, ‘The Mindful Way Through Depression’ and ‘Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World’ as well as authoring over 175 articles and chapters on psychological models and treatment of depression and suicidality. Recently, Mark wrote to advise us that he is about to retire from his work at Oxford University and would therefore be stepping down from this role with the charity. PAPYRUS would like to thank Mark for all his support and advice over the last ten years and wish him well in his retirement.
How confident would you be to ask someone you are worried about whether they were having thoughts of suicide? It is surely a difficult question: "Are you having thoughts of suicide?" PAPYRUS asked participants at their recent Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshop how confident they were asking this question. Before the weekend workshop, participants reported some hesitancy in asking the question directly. This changed with the training. After the training, all participants felt more able to ask the question and increased their understanding of why this was important when dealing with people at risk. After the training, all participants reported an improvement in their sense of being willing, prepared and confident to intervene. This important training is delivered by PAPYRUS. The feedback from a recent workshop hosted by Beacon Counselling in Bolton speaks for itself.
“
FEEDBACK
Counsellors take PAPYRUS training
Very valuable training for both personal and professional life; I am now more alert of invitations and how subtle they can be; it helped me to examine my own attitudes.
Very powerful; Workshop was excellent; I am glad I took part in it. Both trainers did a great job and delivered the material with great sensitivity. I found the interaction extremely useful; it kept me engaged all through the course. Pace and length of the course suited my learning needs. Excellent two days training – hard going due to difficult subject matter. Now the taboo will hopefully shift to enable frank and open discussion personally and professionally. The workshop has helped me to recognise that by talking about suicide with someone doesn't mean it's planting the idea in their head.
PAPYRUS Training We focus on: ! Looking at some of the difficulties young people may be facing today ! Identifying the resources young people have around them and encourage them to access these ! Helping young people become aware of PAPYRUS as a source of suicide prevention support. ! De-stigmatising suicide SuicideTALK is a seminar for whole staff groups and/or groups of parents/carers (2hours) which – Looks at the benefit of speaking safely and openly about suicide – Helps to remove the stigma which can prevent help-seeking behaviours Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) (2DAYS) a training workshop for those with contact with young people throughout their working day which ! Helps participants to identify when a young person may be at risk of suicide ! Provides caregivers with an evidence-
”
Our Suicide Awareness information sessions are delivered in a sensitive and interactive manner.
based intervention model which keeps young people safe ! Equips participants to feel more ready, willing and able to address the needs of someone at risk. Our team can also meet the requirements of your organisation through our bespoke packages, tailored to meet the needs of the participants, as well as raising awareness of young suicide and the impact this can have. We have delivered training to: ! Counsellors ! Schools ! University students ! Telephone helpline organisations ! Charitable organisations We discuss the prevalence of suicide, what difficulties young people face today, how we can help and support them. Suicide is everybody’s business. To book training for your organisation, contact training@papyrus-uk.org or call Alexis Elliott on 01925 572 444 PAPYRUS SUMMER 2013 7
PAPYRUS Conference 2013:
Saving Young L
Thank you to all who attended our Annual Conference on Saturday 29 June 2013 in Central M see so many new faces and to meet up with so many people who were passionate about Savin
The Annual General Meeting of PAPYRUS was hosted directly before the conference. PAPYRUS Chair, Stephen Habgood thanked Jenny Haskey for her support of the charity over the last year and welcome two newly elected trustees; Annessa Rebair and Sophie Pickard. At a subsequent short meeting of the Board, Stephen Habgood was re-appointed as Chairman and Martyn Piper was re-appointed as Vice Chairman. Ged Flynn, PAPYRUS Chief Executive, outlined our recent progress in the field of young suicide prevention. Ged noted the amount of media activity we had engaged in during 2012-13 and thanked everyone for their ongoing enthusiasm, skills and time given to helping deliver our mission. He also encouraged people to continue to make PAPYRUS better known in local communities. This was, he suggested, itself a way to reduce stigma and make our services, training and campaign work available to more and more people. 8 PAPYRUS SUMMER 2013
Participants were pleased to hear our Keynote Speakers Mr Nigel Meadows and P Mr. Nigel Meadows, Senior Coroner, Manchester ( City ) District, spoke about the relevance and value of inquests into the deaths of young people. Conference participants engaged in a lively question-and-answer session with the coroner who also kindly attended one of our afternoon workshops about the Standard of Proof.
Conference attendees also attended two workshops, to develop a greater u of young suicide prevention, and the work of PAPYRUS. This year's workshop topics included: ! HOPELineUK ! Our Internet awareness campaign ! What the latest data can teach us ! The standard of proof used by coroners ! SuicideTalk ! Getting involved with PAPYRUS ! Prevention and Postvention – led by SOBS The event shows that there is a great desire to tackle the problem of young suicide and promote positive mental health for all. As Stephen Habgood reminded the conference,
“Be in no doubt. PAPYRUS does save young lives.” For more information about future events and conferences, contact PAPYRUS on admin@papyrus-uk.org or 01925 572 444
g Lives
Central Manchester. It was great to bout Saving Young Lives.
adows and Professor Sue Bailey. Professor Sue Bailey, President, Royal College of Psychiatrists, spoke about Young People, The Developing Brain and Suicide. Professor Bailey was keen to hear from participants about their own experiences as young people or as family and friends of those who had been suicidal as young people. You can view Professor Bailey's presentation on our website:www.papyrus-uk.org
p a greater understanding
Thank you to all who made the event such a success. We look forward to seeing an even larger group at our 2014 Conference – more details to follow.
Help is at Hand Cymru PAPYRUS has been part of the Welsh Government's National Advisory Group on Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention since its first meeting back in November 2010. Hundreds of people die by suicide every year in Wales but help is now at hand in the form of a useful guide launched in June 2013. Bereavement by suicide or other sudden unexplained death can be particularly difficult for people, who often need both practical and emotional support in dealing with their loss. Help is at Hand Cymru has been produced as a useful self-help guide for people living and working in Wales. The guide includes sections on practical matters, experiencing bereavement, sources of support and how friends and colleagues can help. It will be sent to various people who come into contact with those bereaved through suicide such as funeral directors, general practitioners, the police and coroner’s officers. Ged Flynn writes: “Help is at Hand Cymru gives any reader a real insight into what faces those who are bereaved by suicide and what is available for them. It's a very helpful, easy-toread resource. The better the needs of those who are bereaved are met, the greater the protective factors can be identified for all concerned, including young people.” Launching Help is at Hand Cymru, Mark Drakeford AM, Minister for Health and Social Services (pictured) said: “I would like to congratulate Public Health Wales and the National Advisory Group on Suicide for developing this excellent resource. It will provide invaluable solace and support to those who need it the most – those who find themselves in the tragic position of having lost a loved one through suicide. “I am also pleased that the guide contains a section offering help for healthcare professionals as well. They too – nurses, GPs,
psychiatrists and ambulance staff – can be affected by such deaths and it is right they have access to support. It can be equally demanding for our frontline staff to support those bereaved and many need help doing so.” Dr Ann John, Clinical Associate Professor in Public Mental Health at Swansea University and Public Health Wales lead for suicide prevention said: “There are around 300 suicide deaths a year in Wales and for each one of these, it has been suggested, on average six people are deeply affected. These include family, friends and colleagues together with members of the public and professionals involved. People bereaved by suicide often need considerable support but may find it difficult to seek or obtain help. The booklet is a self-help resource developed for people bereaved through suicide or other unexplained death and for those helping them." PAPYRUS Chairman Stephen Habgood said: “As a parent I was disappointed not to be given any supportive literature when my son took his own life. Having subsequently been aware of Help is at Hand I know I would have found it extremely helpful. As a former Welsh clergyman and now Chairman of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide I know that many of our members have found the resource extremely beneficial and I am delighted that it is being extended to the Welsh community." Ed: Both documents are available for download on the PAPYRUS website.
Mark Drakeford AM, Minister for Health and Social Services launches the new resource (left) with Professor Keith Hawton who led on the original English version of Help is at Hand. PAPYRUS SUMMER 2013 9
Frequently asked
questions
These are some of the types of issues we face on our helpline. If you are worried about yourself or a young person you know, please contact PAPYRUS on: HOPELineUK 0800 068 41 41 or send a text to us in confidence on 07786 209697 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Q
Q
A
A
I was recently involved in a road traffic accident which left me hospitalised for a number of months and unable to walk more then a few metres at a time. Although my family and friends are a major source of support, I feel that I’m a constant burden to them. I also resent the fact that I no longer have the independence I once had or can do the things in life that I once loved. Although I feel I’m getting better physically, my mental health has been deteriorating for the last month and I now struggle to motivate myself to do even basic tasks. In the last two weeks my mood has hit rock bottom and I’ve been having thoughts about ending my life.
The experience of being involved in such a deeply traumatic and life changing event as road traffic accident, has understandably had a far reaching impact on both your mental health and general day to day life. It’s common for many people who experience such a painful and disruptive event to struggle to come to terms with life afterwards and manage the difficult memories associated with the accident. We would strongly encourage you to talk to your friends and family about how you’ve been feeling over the last few months and confide in someone you trust about your recent thoughts of suicide. It might also be an idea to speak to your GP about what local support is available and whether you’re eligible for free NHS counselling. The charity Breakcare (0845 603 8570) also provides information on local support groups and therapy services for people involved in road traffic accidents.
I recently split up with my long term partner of six years and have been forced to leave the flat we shared in London. Since then I’ve been in a desperate emotional state; reliant on friends for financial support and family for short term accommodation. This has left me feeling guilty and ashamed. Since the relationship broke down my moods have become increasingly erratic and I find it hard talking to other people around my situation. More recently I have been self harming as a means of coping and regularly experiencing thoughts of suicide, even though I would never choose to end my life. The breakdown of a long term relationship, combined with the experience of loosing the home you shared for so many years with your partner has understandably caused you a great deal of emotional strain and personal distress. It’s good that you have a strong support network of friends around you and we would encourage you to talk to them about the impact the current situation is having on you. We would also strongly encourage you to speak to your local council who can provide you with advice about accessing emergency accommodation and registering for social housing/private housing in your area. We would also advise that you speak to your GP about accessing some support/treatment while you feel vulnerable/distressed.
Q
I was recently granted refugee status in the UK and housed in the Manchester area after being displaced from my country of birth a few years ago. I regularly suffer flashbacks, changes in my mood and social
phobia as a result of my experiences of being wrongly detained by the security forces back home. Although I’ve struggled with these issues for a long time; the absence of my usual support network and the experience of long term unemployment has intensified many of the above issues and left me feeling unable to cope. The intense feeling of isolation and helplessness I regularly experience combined with the absence of any form of social support has led me to experience thoughts of suicide on a daily basis.
A
We imagine the process of resettlement in an unfamiliar country away from your friends and family must have been incredibly difficult. To undergo such an enormous personal upheaval after experiencing the deeply traumatic ordeal of forced detention in your home country is a testament to your strength and personal resolve. There is a range of support and advice services available to you that can help. For example the Horizon Centre (0161 212 5800) and Freedom from Torture North West (0161 236 5744) both provide therapy/support to refugees living in the Manchester area who have experienced trauma in their country of origin. In terms of social/peer support the charity Revive (0161 223 5668) runs a range of enrichment projects and support groups for recently dispersed refugees in the greater Manchester area. We encourage you to give these organisations a call – they will be able to help.
Homicide by mentally ill falls, but patient suicide rises in England The annual report by the National Confidential Inquiry by People with Mental Illness (NCISH) was published 4 July 2013. The number of people killed by mental health patients has fallen to its lowest level in a decade. This may reflect safer patient care and points to the possible effect of better treatment of drug and alcohol problems as well as new legal powers in the community. However, suicides among mental health patients have increased in recent years, with the current economic difficulties a likely factor. Provisional figures for suicide showed 1,333 suicides in mental
health patients in England in 2011 – up from 1175 in 2010. Patient suicide in Scotland also rose but similar increases in Wales and Northern Ireland were based on small numbers and need to be treated with caution. Safety efforts need to focus on patients receiving home treatment where there has been a rise in suicide deaths in recent years. Combined with a fall in the number of inpatient suicides, there are now twice as many suicides under home treatment as in inpatient care. Services should also try to address the economic difficulties of patients, including advice on debt,
housing and employment. press release available: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/n ews/display/?id=10337 full report and links to video clips available: http://www.bbmh.manchester.ac.uk/cmh r/research/centreforsuicideprevention/nci NOTE: The report is commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership on behalf of the NHS England, DHSSPS Northern Ireland, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Channel Islands, PAPYRUS SUMMER 2013 11
Fun
. . . g n i s i a r d n Fu ...Thanks to you all
New fundraising partnership with Accenture Ltd !
Join our HOPEWalk
this October
We’re thrilled to announce that as part of the company’s Global Corporate Challenge this ! This autumn we’ll be running our first summer, the charity team from Accenture is raising funds and vital awareness about the work ever mass fundraising event which aims PAPYRUS does to help us save young lives. to see our supporters across the country Team leader Gemma Draycott says “Our come out in force to banish the stigma surrounding young suicide and send a fundraising for PAPYRUS is not only a super way message of hope to those who may need to hear it most. for us to get fit, promote wellbeing amongst our We are currently looking for more hosts to take part in our HOPEWalk colleagues and support this fantastic cause but appeal by registering to host a walk of your choosing in your local area. As a it really shows that we take our employees host you’ll receive you free fundraising pack which includes guidance and wellbeing seriously and we’re pleased to have materials for organising your walk, and of course on-going support and been able to work with the charity in promoting guidance from the fundraising team will be on hand through out the appeal. suicide prevention and raising awareness of this You can choose what type of walk you’d like to do – from a 3 Peak often taboo subject.” challenge to a family stroll through along the coast – whatever you choose to As part of our partnership PAPYRUS also held do you’ll receive a free walker pack and most importantly, by taking part in a lunch time session for colleagues to speak to this year’s HOPEWalk, whether walking in remembrance of a loved one or to our suicide prevention advisors about emotional show that help is at hand in times of emotional distress, you’ll be part of a resilience and creating awareness about nation-wide network of walkers raising vital funds to make suicide prevention in the workplace. sure that our services are always here for the thousands who nts, eve our For all contact us each year. please see our website For further information about HOPEWalk 2013 or to regyou how of ils deta for ister for your free HOPEWalk pack please contact us on can join in: 01925 572 444 or email .org -uk rus apy www.p fundraising@papyrus-uk.org 12 PAPYRUS SUMMER 2013
..
you ng an event? If Are you planni e Future sit eb w r rtised in ou would like it adve t, let us help gather suppor Events section to g ng@papyrus-uk.or know at fundraisi
! Aisling Martin climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in aid of PAPYRUS “the climb was much more difficult than expected, so it was helpful for me to remember I was doing it to support a worthy cause like PAPYRUS” If you would like to know more about adventure challenges such as the Costa Rica Coast to Coast, Lapland – The Husky Trail, The Great Wall of China or the Grand Canyon please get in touch with fundraising@papyrus-uk.org for a full catalogue of options.
! Simon Barnett who we featured in our last newsletter completed his incredible three month long challenge to run a mile for each death by suicide in Scotland. With immense stamina and support from his friends, family and work colleagues Simon completed his challenge raising over 10 times more than he originally set out to! He says I don’t think I had any idea when we started out how much this would take out of us physically or emotionally but I have great support around me which really kept me going, especially for me as I trudged through the snow!
I may not be “I may not be the strongest, if I’m not ned the fastest but I’ll be dam trying my hardest”
… Please don’t forget Gift Aid g isin dra fun r you simply by Gift Aiding £1. per 25p you are raising an additional
!
Charity Ball
el, 9 November, Copthorne Hot k wic Gat Effingham Park,
The Charity Ball is being hosted by of a supporter, Jack Smith, in memory the at life own his took who d close frien man in his age of 20. As a well-loved young friends, local community James had many a be only not will r mbe and the ball in Nove will but life, his of n ratio celeb ant brilli a work raise vital funds for the continued of PAPYRUS. With entertainment from a variety t of musicians, performers and gues auction ity char live a with g alon speakers, promises and three course dinner the event r. mbe reme truly to ing even an ts its gues t for Jack says, “I want to hold this even work t grea the of use beca RUS PAPY feel my it does to prevent young suicide. I awareness raise help y reall will story d’s frien and about depression in young people to increase understanding about how des.” suici g prevent youn are Tickets for the event are £45 and 10. of s table for or lly idua available indiv tickets, To find out more and reserve your o.uk/ rite.c entb w.ev ://ww http visit simply 43 8613 6044 contact-organizer?eid= t, For those wishing to stay overnigh £70. for ed book hotel rooms can be
! Sophie Harajda organised a super bake sale with friends to raise funds and awareness for PAPYRUS... and she’s planning a skydive next!
Collection Tins
a Do you know the owners of ld cou who s ines bus or shop, pub ide raise awareness of young suic S YRU PAP t por sup and on preventi on by hosting one of our collecti If so, tins for 3, 6, or 12 months? please do get in touch with fundraising@papyrus-uk.org PAPYRUS SUMMER 2013 13
! Congratulations
to
Clarke Stevens! Londentry runner Clarke Stevens also reached his mammoth goal to run 110 miles in 5 days to raise vital funds and awareness for PAPYRUS. “The highlight of Londentry for me was to see old friends of mine and my brothers coming together again with smiles on their faces.” Having people cheering him on at each leg of his challenge, running along side him and following him online too, Clarke drummed up a mass of support in not only reaching his ambitious fundraising target, but in getting word about PAPYRUS and our services out into his community.
of the Here are some raising fantastic fund have events which r the taken place ove ths: past few mon
g n i s i a r d Fun
! Sarah Lewis completed a 20 mile assault course in Derbyshire ! Michele Young ran the Milton Keynes 10K run ! Robbie Gaffney ran a charity gig night in Barrow-in-Furness ! Wakefield High School for Girls held a gymathon ! Amy Ball and Dove Valley Outdoor Events held a fundraising ‘Raise a glass’ party in Stoke on Trent ! Alvechurch Dramatic Society collected proceeds from their recent performance ! Sakura Berry from Harrogate ran the Paris Half Marathon ! Michael Douglas from Ballymena ran from Ballymena to Ballymoney ! Anne Jones hosted a coffee morning at her local church in Holywell, Flintshire.
14 PAPYRUS SUMMER 2013
!
ball! Super-supporter – havingPAPaYRUS in Carlisle on
ball in aid of Sally Jenkins is also hosting a and memory of her daughter Helen in is ball The r. yea 3 August this people. ng you er oth help to rity cha hopes to raise awareness of this re will rds Inn in Rosehill, Carlisle. The The event is at 7pm at Shepha le. raff a and tion auc ic, a small be a three course dinner, live mus please get in touch with tion rma info e mor For . £30 Tickets are put you in touch with the can fundraising@papyrus-uk.org who organisers.
Avios gives time to save young lives !
Staff from air-miles company, Avios have been busy volunteering to help PAPYRUS with a host of activities in their Warrington office. Pictured here are Cath and Julie who spent a day helping to get the fundraising office spick-and-span ahead of summer’s fundraising activities. We’re looking forward to doing much more with the fantastic team at Avios!
g for or planning a future Good luck to all of you trainin PAPYRUS. Do contact our fundraising event to support apyrus-uk.org for ideas, fundraising team fundraising@p collection boxes. publicity support, shirts and
Help us to keep our services running by setting up a Standing Order Just £3 a month could make a huge difference to the lives of young people who suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling. Making a regular gift to PAPYRUS helps us to plan more effectively and develop our services. I would like to help PAPYRUS to reach out to vulnerable young people across the UK, providing practical advice and support through HOPELineUK. I would like to donate: £3
£5
£10
£
enter your own amount.
– per month.
Name Address Post code Phone Email For bank use: Please pay CAF Bank Ltd, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA
some of Take a look at bulous the fun and fa porters events our sup ver the are planning o ths: next few mon ! Anna, Lara and Jemma Moseley are completing a 3 Peak Challenge and so are Hayley Young and her team! ! Carl Gregory is taking part in the Lichfield 10K race ! Annielee Kelly is hosting a Family Fun Day in Prenton ! Shelley Burgess is taking part in the Thames Park Challenge ! Jane Storey is climbing the Matterhorn – one of Europe’s beautiful challenge treks ! Emily Farrar is completing a triathlon in London. If you’d like to find out more about hosting your own fundraising event in your area, contact the Fundraising Team on 01924 572 44 or email fundraising@papyrus-uk.org to request your free fundraising kit. ! Talbot
Underwriters Ltd donate to PAPYRUS A huge thank you to Talbot Underwriters Ltd who have recently made a generous donation towards our work in young suicide prevention. The company, which each year invite nominations of good causes to their charity committee, selected PAPYRUS to receive a significant donation to help with the delivery of our support services, training and campaigning work.
Account: PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide) Branch sort code: 40-52-40 Account number: 00009952 Please fill out your bank details here: To the manager of (name of bank or building society) Address: Your account name: Branch sort code: Account number: Please pay PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide the sum of £ (in words: pounds) on the first day of next month and every year*/month* thereafter until otherwise notified. *N.B. Please enter year or month as applicable. This order supersedes all other previous orders in relation to this payee. Signed: Please ensure that both account holders sign if necessary Date:
MEMBERSHIP If you would like this donation to be classed as membership to PAPYRUS please tick this box. Our Members help us shape the services we offer and strengthen our voice as we campaign to protect vulnerable young people at risk of suicide. If you would like to become a member, either set up a monthly donation (as above) or send a cheque made payable to ‘PAPYRUS’ to the address below. I enclose a cheque for £40 annual membership I enclose a cheque for £20 annual membership (students, unwaged) I would like to make a donation to PAPYRUS today and enclose a cheque for £ By filling in the Gift Aid declaration, we will be able to claim back from the Inland Revenue the income tax that has already been paid on any donation you may make.
GIFT AID DECLARATION I want to treat this and all donations I may make in the future, until I notify you otherwise, as GIFT AID DONATIONS. I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for the current tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for the current tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I have given.
Signed: Date: Please Note: Remember to notify us if you no longer pay an amount of Income Tax/Capital Gain Tax equal to the tax we reclaim on your donation. This declaration can be cancelled at any time by notifying PAPYRUS.
Please return this form to: PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, 67 Bewsey Street, Warrington, Cheshire WA2 7JQ.