A NATIONAL charity which works to prevent young suicide has seen "a considerable rise" in the number of young people contacting it.

PAPYRUS has urged young people in York and North Yorkshire to try and relax this festive period, and try not to become overwhelmed with Christmas and New Year pressures.

The charity was set up in 1997 by a group of parents who had lost children through suicide, and were determined to try and prevent other families and young people from going through the same ordeal.

Ged Flynn, chief executive of PAPYRUS, said the charity's text and email service was "dealing with a steep increase" in requests for support, and the number of first-time contacts had almost doubled in recent weeks.

Mr Flynn said: "Taking time to do something that interests us and we love is vital to our mental wellbeing. It equips us with the skills and resilience to help us cope with depressive situations and feelings that contribute to thoughts of suicide.

"There is a lot of pressure at this time of year to give to others both emotionally and for many, the financial and sometimes competitive pressure of presents. For some young people, joining in with friends and the expectation of being the life and soul of the party can be a burden too far."

The charity said between 600 and 800 people aged between 15 and 24 take their own lives in the UK each year, and this year used its annual festive message to encourage young people to try and

Mr Flynn said: "Everyone is different, hence it is impossible to generalise on what constitutes a self-care activity. It may be as simple as getting enough sleep, reading a book, trying something new, catching up with old friends.

"Many care for others who are vulnerable to struggles with their mental health. This can keep them in care-giving mode and sometimes they, too, may need a reminder to slow down. It is a simple message: watch out for others, but don’t forget yourself."

Confidential support and advice is available on the PAPYRUS HOPELineUK, which will be open between 10am and 10pm daily, and between 2pm and 5pm on Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

Guidance and advice is also available by phoning 0800 0684141, texting 07796 209697 or emailing email pat@papyrus-uk.org