We were delighted to partner with PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide this year who were one of five charities benefiting from funds raised by university and college teams taking part in the BRIT 2021 Challenge.
Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and staff, the majority of whom were taking part at home and away from their campuses, 85 university and college teams took on the BRIT 2021 Challenge.
We know fundraising was extremely difficult this year and appreciate the efforts of every student and staff member who raised vital funds for our charity partners, including PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide.
The annual BRIT Challenge is delivered to support and improve the mental health and fitness of young adults throughout the UK; by taking part in the BRIT 2021 Challenge, every student and staff member has also been raising awareness of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide and the life saving support they provide to young adults throughout the UK.
Suicide is the biggest killer of young people – male and female – under 35 in the UK.
Every year many thousands more attempt or contemplate suicide, harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling.
We are sincerely grateful to Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, and Hazel Russell, Head of Fundraising, for all their support to develop and strengthen our special partnership.
Pre-BRIT 2021 Challenge, Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of PAPYRUS Prevention of oung Suicide said;
"PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is delighted to be partnering with The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) and welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with other partner charities who share a common goal of supporting students to have the best mental health and stay suicide-safe.
By working together we will raise greater awareness of the vital support which is available and engage with young people who are struggling to regain their self-esteem and self-worth.
Money raised from the BRIT 2021 Challenge will pay for potentially life-saving calls, texts and emails to our confidential HOPELINEUK service, which offers support and advice to young people who are struggling and anyone who is worried about a young person who may be having thoughts of suicide.
Fundraising also helps PAPYRUS to engage with local communities and volunteers in suicide prevention projects and supports the training we deliver to individuals and groups.
Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK and we must reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.
Together we must continue giving hope to young people who are struggling with life.”
Ged Flynn
Chief Executive
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
The Vision of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
The vision of PAPYRUS is for a society which speaks openly about suicide and has the resources to help young people who may have suicidal thoughts.
The Mission of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
PAPYRUS exist to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.
Beliefs and Values of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
The beliefs that guide their thinking are:
PREVENTION: Many young suicides are preventable
PASSION: Those who are touched personally by a young suicide have a unique contribution to make to their work
HOPE: No young person should have to suffer alone with thoughts or feelings of hopelessness and nobody should have to go through the heartbreak of losing a young person to suicide
LEARNING: There are always lessons to be learned from listening to young people at risk of suicide, those who give them support and those who have lost a young person to suicide.
To learn more about PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide please visit their website.
We look forward to maintaining a special relationship between our two charities.