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PAPYRUS Closure: Support is Still Available

September 10, 2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the closure of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, including its HOPELINE247 service.

For many years, PAPYRUS provided vital support to young people experiencing thoughts of suicide and to those worried about a young person. YPAS worked closely with PAPYRUS, referring young people to its services and signposting to its support.

We know this news may feel upsetting, worrying, or confusing, especially if you have previously received support or recently contacted PAPYRUS for help.

Please remember – you don’t have to face things alone; support is still available.

Online support through Kooth:

If you are aged 10-25 years, you can access free, safe and anonymous online mental health and wellbeing support through Kooth. You do not need a referral. Kooth provides online tools, moderated community support, messaging, and text-based conversations with qualified practitioners.

  • Visit Kooth and sign up anonymously
  • Live chat is available 12 noon–10pm on weekdays and 6pm–10pm at weekends
  • Community support, self-help resources and messaging can be accessed at any time

Support from YPAS:

YPAS remains available for children and young people aged 5-25 years who need support with their mental health and/or emotional wellbeing.

If you were previously directed to PAPYRUS, are waiting to access support or are unsure where to turn next, please contact us. We will explore your needs and  options and connect you with the most appropriate support.

If you need urgent help:

Kooth and YPAS are not emergency or 24-hour crisis services.

  • For urgent mental health support, call NHS on 111 and select the mental health option.
  • Call Samaritans free on 116 123, 24 hours a day.
  • Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential text support.
  • CAMHS Crisis Care –Contact Alder Hey on 0151 228 4811 and ask for the Crisis Care Team.
  • If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.

The closure of PAPYRUS is a significant and deeply felt loss. We recognise the difference its staff, volunteers and supporters have made to young people and families over many years.

 

I want to thank Caz and Paula for an amazing 10 weeks. I have learnt so much in such a small amount of time. Understanding why my son shows certain behaviours. I also have learnt a lot about myself. Home is a much happier place. Best course I have been on and would definitely recommend to other parents. Again, can’t thank Caroline and Paula enough No judgment just understanding and so caring and helpful.

Parent/Carer

To Kate, thank you so much for everything, you've helped me so much. Thank you for helping me realise just how beautiful everything is.

Young Person

I can’t thank Lucy enough. She went over and above my expectations. Extending Eve’s sessions and having some real breakthroughs with her. She finished off with a really lovely party for Eve that included all of her favourite things. Well above and beyond.

Parent/Carer

I really enjoyed my time with Jeanette. She made me feel heard, valued and always remained professional. I was nervous about starting to talk therapy, but she immediately put me at ease and allowed me to get the most out of my sessions from the get-go. I would recommend her services to anyone, she’s friendly, personable and takes so much pride in her work. A real asset to the YPAS team.

Young Person

Seedlings Anna and Emma are amazing they put children 1st and are always willing to support and help families. They build amazing relationships with children, my daughter feels comfortable with both Emma and Anna and was able to communicate her thoughts and feelings which is really difficult for Amelia to do. I have only had a positive experience working with seedlings.

Parent/Carer

I felt very well listened to and I always felt like I could come here after a bad day and just talk to Jade about my feelings and not feel like I was getting judged.

Young Person

Lauren Marsh has provided counselling for my daughter. She started counselling and was unhappy with various things and needed an outside source of support. Lauren provided this service with sensitivity and care, which has helped my daughter come out of her shell and discuss the things that have been bothering her. Lauren has offered an insight on my daughters’ parents on certain concerns that have been raised, during the sessions. As a dad, I can see a huge difference in my daughter’s general mood. She seems to manage her emotions well and is more open about various things that are bothering her. I am so grateful for Lauren’s care and support. My daughter has been comfortable enough to open up. Lauren also raised concerns about progressing into grief counselling, which I felt was incredibly considerate, ensuring mu daughters mental wellbeing was catered for outside of counselling sessions.

Parent/Carer

The sessions with Caitlin in school helped me to have someone to talk to without judgement but an outsider observation.

Young Person

Dear Meg and the team. I cannot express enough the gratitude, thanks and praise for your organisation. Meg: thank you for the time spent with my granddaughter and myself. Your knowledge, professionalism and kindness were outstanding. Reception: So kind and caring. Enquiries dealt with compassionately with excellent signposting. A big pat on the back to you all. I dread to think where this city would be without your organisation.

Parent/Carer

Jodie was very nice and helpful when I didn't know what to do about my anxiety. I am finished now and feel confident to manage my anxiety myself and know a lot about it to help others, I feel a lot less anxious

Young Person