09/09/2026
A national charity dedicated to preventing su***de among young people has closed with immediate effect after collapsing into administration.
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Su***de, which has operated for almost 30 years, has ceased its services following what administrators described as an extended and extremely difficult period.
The closure includes HOPELINE247, the charity’s specialist su***de prevention service, which provided support to young people experiencing thoughts of su***de as well as concerned family members, friends and professionals.
PAPYRUS had become one of the country’s best-known organisations working specifically to prevent su***de among children and young people, providing support, training and awareness campaigns across the UK.
Before entering administration, the charity explored a number of options in an attempt to secure its future, including reducing costs, changing the way it operated and looking at whether some services could be transferred to other organisations.
However, administrators said increasing demand for services, rising costs and a reduction in reliable funding meant the charity could no longer continue operating.
Joint administrators have now been appointed, with efforts expected to be made where possible to identify other organisations which may be able to take on some of PAPYRUS’s work.
The closure has prompted concern across the su***de prevention sector, with charities warning that demand for mental health and crisis support remains high.
Campaigners have also questioned what the loss of specialist services could mean for young people and families who previously relied on PAPYRUS for support.
The charity has worked closely with families affected by su***de as well as schools, healthcare professionals and other organisations to improve awareness and help people recognise and respond to su***de risk.
Its closure also affects staff working across the organisation.
The Department of Health and Social Care has said children and young people remain a priority within the Government’s Su***de Prevention Strategy and acknowledged the contribution PAPYRUS has made to su***de prevention.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress can contact Samaritans free on 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
