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Mike Palmer of Three Dads Walking and former PAPYRUS volunteer Georgia Padfield told ITV Granada Reports of the devastation the closure will cause.
Three bereaved fathers who raised over £1.5 million for a youth suicide prevention charity after losing their daughters say they are “devastated” after the support service abruptly collapsed into administration.
PAPYRUS, which has provided specialist crisis support to young people across the UK, closed its doors, leaving families, health professionals, and campaigners in “disbelief”.
The closure means the immediate loss of HOPELINE247, a dedicated round-the-clock service staffed by suicide prevention experts.
The helpline was widely relied upon by NHS trusts and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to support young people experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The dads have raised more than £1.5 million for PAPYRUS after losing their daughters to suicide.
Joint administrators from Opus Restructuring & Insolvency have been appointed to review the Warrington charity’s affairs and determine whether any of PAPYRUS’s services can be rescued or transferred to other providers.
Campaign group 3 Dads Walking – comprising Tim Owen, Mike Palmer, and Andy Airey – have walked thousands of miles and raised £1.5 million for the charity after losing their daughters to suicide.
In a statement, the trio, whose daughters Sophie, Beth and Emily died by suicide, expressed their devastation and disbelief that such an “essential” service was left to survive on charitable donations alone.
They said: “This is not simply the closure of another charity, it is the loss of a service that has been helping to keep young people alive. We find that incredibly difficult to accept.
“How can a service that is relied upon by the NHS, that specialises in preventing young suicide and that has supported countless young people in their darkest moments be left financially dependent on charitable fundraising?”
Beth, Sophie and Emily all took their own lives. After their deaths, their dads set up 3 Dads Walking.
The campaigners warned that the collapse of third-sector services will only compound the immense strain already facing state mental health provision across the UK.
“When those organisations can no longer survive, the pressure doesn’t disappear,” the group stated.
“It moves somewhere else – and ultimately it falls on the NHS, families and the people who desperately need help.”
Calling on Ministers to step in, they added: “Suicide remains the biggest killer of under-35s. The Government needs to recognise that suicide prevention is not an optional extra. It is a public health responsibility.”
Administrators are expected to provide further updates in the coming days regarding the charity’s assets and potential service transfers.
In a statement, they said: “The appointment follows an extended and extremely difficult period in which the charity’s Board of Trustees and senior management explored every available option to secure Papyrus’ future.
“This included changes to its operating model, cost reductions and consideration of whether services could be transferred to other organisations, to protect the services provided. “Despite these efforts, and against a backdrop of rising demand, increased trading costs, and ongoing a reduction in reliable funding across the sector, the Board concluded that the charity was no longer able to continue operating in such a climate, taking the decision, to appoint insolvency practitioners in line with their fiduciary duties.
“The Joint Administrators recognise the charity’s significant contribution to the sector over the years and the dedication of its staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters.
“In light of its current position, the Charity will close with immediate effect; however, where possible, a transfer of services will be sought to willing parties.
“It would not be appropriate to speculate on next steps or outcomes while that work is ongoing, and further information will be provided as and when it becomes available.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Every suicide is a tragedy that has a devastating and enduring impact and we are committed to tackling suicide as one of the biggest avoidable killers.
“Our Suicide Prevention Strategy identifies children and young people as a priority group and sets out a range of actions across education, healthcare and online safety to help identify risk earlier, provide timely support and reduce the number of young lives lost to suicide.
“We recognise the significant contribution PAPYRUS has made to these efforts in recent years, but we will continue to ensure that every young person needing urgent mental health support knows they have somewhere to turn.”
Worried about mental health?
Mind is a mental health charity which promotes the views and needs of people with mental health issues.
It provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Back to topThe Martin Gallier Project
The Martin Gallier Project are a Wirral-based charity dedicated to helping individuals and families across the North West of England.
They were the UK’s first Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention charity. The project offers non clinical suicide interventions on the high street, with no barriers to access, waiting list or criteria.
The service is open 7 days a week 9.30am-4.30pm – lines and emails are only monitored during these hours.
Samaritans is an organisation offering confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
ANDYSMANCLUB is a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.
It wants to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a judgement-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives.
The charity runs weekly, free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18.
Suicide prevention centre in Liverpool offering life-saving support to men in suicidal crisis.
YoungMinds is a resource with information on child and adolescent mental health, but also offers services for parents and professionals.
It is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health, and wants to make sure all young people can get the mental health support they need, when they need it
YoungMinds Textline – Text YM to 85258
Phone Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 4pm)
EPiC HOPE is managed and run by a team of dedicated, passionate and compassionate people. Staff and volunteers who want to stop suicides and save lives.
Crisis HarboursAt the Crisis Harbours, our trained and compassionate Peer Supporters with lived experience are here to offer immediate support if you’re going through a mental health crisis, including feeling suicidal. We provide a safe alternative to A&E and can help connect you to other support once the immediate crisis has passed.
Community HarboursAt the Community Harbours, you can drop in for a couple of hours in a safe, welcoming space. You might be going through a bereavement, a breakup, feeling lonely, or just need a chat. Whatever you’re facing, you’re welcome to join us for a brew and some friendly support, even if you’re not in crisis.
Email: help@epichope.org.uk
Phoneline: 07483186351 for their Crisis Harbour
EPiC Men – A support group just for men Every Thursday, 7pm – 9pm
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