Royal grant to help save young women’s lives
by Educate Magazine October 14, 2025 · All News
Leading national suicide prevention charity has welcomed a £20,000 grant to help young women who are struggling with life.
Supporting young women in crisis
PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide) will use the funding from The Royal Foundation to launch a national awareness campaign. It will be aimed specifically at girls and young women who face “unique risks.”
The charity aims to highlight two distinct stages of elevated suicide risk, menstruation and the perinatal period – pregnancy and post-partum.
Chief executive, Ged Flynn, said:
“We know from the contacts we receive that many girls and young women are suffering in silence, hurting and bewildered by often severe hormonal mood disorders which affect their emotional and physical health.
“Many women suffer intense symptoms of anxiety, depression and anger which disrupts their daily lives. Tragically, for some it becomes too much and they start looking for a way out, they begin to give up on life.”
PAPYRUS, which operates a confidential HOPELINE247 service, says education, early intervention and support is critical.
Royal endorsement and national suicide prevention network
The Innovation Grant from The Royal Foundation will fund a national awareness campaign by PAPYRUS. The campaign will offer educational resources focused on self-understanding, coping strategies, and access to life-saving support.
“The funding will help us to recognise and address the unique risks faced by girls and young women, creating resources and pathways that will help to keep them safe and lay the foundation for lasting professional support,” added Ged Flynn.
He continued: “We are incredibly grateful to The Royal Foundation for seeing the importance of what will become valuable and life-saving work.”
PAPYRUS also now joins the new National Suicide Prevention Network as an Innovation Partner.
His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales said:
“The incredible partners who form this network reach those at risk of, or affected by, suicide with their inspirational work.
“Their efforts reaffirm the urgent mission of the National Suicide Prevention Network: to build a bold, unified national response to the heartbreaking – and preventable – tragedy of suicide.”
Every week, PAPYRUS receives hundreds of calls from young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Many others reach out on behalf of someone they’re worried about.
Following the launch of its around-the-clock HOPELINE247 service in summer 2023, PAPYRUS has seen a significant rise in demand. Contacts via text and email have surged by 86%. Last year there was a 66% increase in those reaching out via its webchat service.
How to get help
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice, contact PAPYRUS HOPELINE247. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
