North West Charity Launches Darkest Hours Fundraising Appeal

A North West based suicide prevention charity has issued a stark warning that it may have to cut back on its lifesaving services due to unprecedented financial pressures.

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide says it will do all it can to continue staffing its:- 'HOPELINE247' service during the night, when children and young people are struggling through their darkest hours.

The charity, which has its head office in Warrington, has launched the 1st emergency appeal in its 28 year history, saying rising costs and falling donations across the charity sector means extra funding is urgently needed.

PAPYRUS' Chief Executive, Ged Flynn, said:- "Nothing is more important in life than keeping our children and young people safe. We are here every minute of every hour, 365 days of the year, giving hope to those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide. We are only able to do this thanks to the incredible generosity of the public. Quite simply, donations and fundraising underpin everything we do. Regrettably, an unforeseen reduction in the voluntary revenue we receive means we are now facing real challenges in the way we deliver our vital services."

PAPYRUS says the situation has become critical because it is receiving a record number of contacts. Every week the charity receives hundreds of calls either from young people themselves or from someone who is concerned about a young person.

Since its 'HOPELINE247' service went round the clock in the summer of 2023, the charity has seen an 86% increase in the number of contacts received via text and emails. Last year there was a 66% increase in those reaching out via its webchat service.

'HOPELINE247' is staffed by professionally trained, paid Suicide Prevention Advisors.

PAPYRUS, which has offices and hubs in:- England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, has now set an emergency fundraising target of £440,000 which would enable it to continue operating normally.

Ged Flynn says he makes no apology for appealing directly to the public for help:- "No child or young person deserves to be alone with thoughts of suicide. Our work shines a ray of hope into the darkness. Suicides devastate families and friendships, shatter schools and shake the very foundations of our local communities. Every life lost is a tragic waste and yet we believe many young suicides can be prevented. Everyone has a role to play and with your generosity PAPYRUS will be able to continue our work, which is far from done. Suicide rates remain stubbornly high and somehow we must overcome the obstacles we face, find the money we need and help our children and young people to choose life."

To donate to the PAPYRUS emergency appeal go to:- JustGiving.Com.

More Aldi stores in Merseyside to get InPost lockers

ALDI is installing InPost lockers outside more of its UK stores in Merseyside.

Thanks to the supermarket's ongoing partnership with parcel locker provider InPost, more customers can now easily collect and return online orders at locations including the:- Speke and Netherton stores.

Britain's 4th largest supermarket 1st trialled the lockers at 22 stores across the country in December 2023.

Following positive feedback from customers on how convenient the service is, over 260 InPost lockers have been installed across Aldi UK stores.

Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said:- "Our customers value convenience, which is why we're expanding the availability of InPost lockers across more Aldi stores. By adding lockers at more locations nationwide, customers can now collect or return parcels seamlessly while picking up their shopping at Aldi."

Neil Kuschel, CEO at InPost UK, said:- "Our partnership with Aldi to expand the number of lockers nationwide reflects our shared commitment to providing quick, easy and accessible parcel collection and returns for shoppers across the UK. By installing additional InPost Lockers outside Aldi stores, we're offering customers the freedom to pick up and drop off parcels at their convenience, without the need to rely on store opening hours or wait in queues. We're excited to see how this collaboration will enhance the shopping experience, reduce the cost and continue to meet the growing consumer demand for secure, sustainable, and seamless parcel solutions."

Customers can check the lockers at their local store are available to use before visiting at:- inPost.Co.UK/Lockers