A major suicide prevention helpline has closed after the charity behind the service entered administration.
HopeLine24/7 is no longer operating following the appointment of administrators to Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide.
Emma Mifsud and Charles Turner, of Opus Restructuring LLP, were appointed joint administrators of the charity on Monday 7 September.
Papyrus said its trustees and senior management had spent an extended period exploring options in an attempt to secure the charity’s future.
Measures included changing its operating model, reducing costs and considering whether services could be transferred to other organisations.
But the board ultimately concluded that Papyrus could no longer continue operating amid rising demand, increased trading costs and a reduction in reliable funding across the sector.
The charity has worked to prevent suicide among young people in the UK for almost 30 years through campaigning, education, training and direct services.
In a statement, Papyrus said: “We are enormously proud of that work and of everyone – staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters and fundraisers – who has contributed to it.”
The administrators will now manage the charity’s affairs through the administration process and oversee an orderly closure.
People who previously relied on HopeLine24/7 are being directed to alternative sources of support.
Anyone struggling, or concerned about a young person, can contact Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time or text SHOUT to 85258.
Urgent mental health support is also available through NHS 111. In an emergency, people should call 999 or attend A&E.
