BEING young and growing up in today's society can be tough. 

But if you, or anyone you know, is ever finding it hard to cope, there's plenty of places you can turn to in Warrington. 

If you're under 35...

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.

PAPYRUS is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide and based in Warrington. 

They provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK.

Anyone aged under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide can contact them as well as anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about taking their own life.

You can contact them by:

Calling: 0800 068 4141

Texting: 07860039967

Emailing: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Opening hours are:

9am – 10pm weekdays, 2pm – 10pm weekends, 2pm – 10pm bank holidays

Or visit their website for more advice

If you're worried about someone...

The Stay Alive app has been recommended by Warrington Police.

If someone you know is feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, it can help them find local support.

It includes a safety plan, tips on staying grounded, a wellness plan and information on support in Warrington. 

It’s free and you can find it on the App Store and Google Play.

If you're a man aged under 45...

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day.

You can call their helpline on 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm until midnight 365 days a year.

Alternatively you could also try their webchat service.

A spokesman added: "Our webchat is for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.

"During busy times there might be a delay in us being able to chat with you, but we will always try our very best to get to you."

To find out more, click here

If you're still looking for help...

The charity Samaritans runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Signs you may be struggling to cope:

  • Lacking energy or feeling tired
  • Feeling exhausted all the time
  • Experiencing 'brain fog', find it hard to think clearly
  • Finding it hard to concentrate
  • Feeling restless and agitated
  • Feeling tearful, wanting to cry all the time
  • Not wanting to talk to or be with people
  • Not wanting to do things you usually enjoy
  • Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
  • Finding it hard to cope with everyday things and tasks
  • Experiencing 'burn out'

What about if you're worried about somebody else?

Signs that someone may not be okay:

  • Feeling restless and agitated
  • Feeling tearful
  • Not wanting to talk to or be with people
  • Not wanting to do things you usually enjoy
  • Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
  • Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
  • Not replying to messages or being distant

You might not always be able to spot these signs, and these emotions show up differently in everyone.

The best place to start is to try talking to them about their feelings.

If someone is still feeling low after your conversation, and if they may be struggling to cope, it's probably a good idea that they get some support, whether it is through talking to someone like a counsellor or getting specific advice for their situation.

Useful questions you might ask them include:

  • ‘Have you talked to anyone else about this?’
  • ‘Would you like to get some help?’
  • ‘Would you like me to come with you?’

Or, for someone who is reluctant to get help:

  • ‘Do you have someone you trust you can go to?’
  • ‘If it helps, you can talk to me any time.’

How to contact the Samaritans

This is the only charity available 24/7 throughout the year.

You can call them on 116 123

You can visit them in person by finding your nearest branch here 

You could email jo@samaritans.org

Or you could write a letter, sending it to: 

Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA

For more help or information, visit samaritans.org/