Supporting wellbeing and mental health within the workplace has been a key priority for GatenbySanderson, and never more so than during the last year and the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, our colleagues voted PAPYRUS as their charity of the year for 2021, due to their strong willingness to address a common but neglected issue head on; to tackle the stigma of suicide and help more young people get access to the support they need.
PAPYRUS is the UK national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people – male and female – under 35 in the UK. Every year many thousands more attempt or contemplate suicide, harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling.
As part of the fundraising activity planned across the company this year, Lorraine Payne, Project Delivery Manager at GS, has set sky high fundraising ambitions by agreeing to Parachute for PAPYRUS – jumping from 10,000 feet and free-falling at over 120mph in a sponsored tandem skydive. Lorraine, who boards her flight on Saturday 10th July said:
Mental Health has understandably increased over the last year and it can affect so many of us in so many ways. For some people you can feel helpless and the topic can feel too sensitive to discuss. I hope by stepping out of my comfort zone I can make a difference by raising awareness and financially supporting Papyrus to continue doing their amazing work.
Commenting on GatenbySanderson’s support, Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, said
PAPYRUS is delighted to be partnering with GatenbySanderson and welcomes the company’s valuable support. By working together we will raise greater awareness of the vital support which is available and engage with young people who are struggling with their self-esteem and self-worth.
Money raised by GatenbySanderson and its staff taking part in activities such as Parachute for PAPYRUS will help to pay for potentially life-saving calls, texts and emails to our confidential HOPELINEUK service, which offers support and advice to young people who are struggling and anyone who is worried about a young person who may be having thoughts of suicide. Together we must continue giving hope to young people who are struggling with life.
If you would like to support Lorraine’s fundraising efforts for PAPYRUS, we would be very grateful for anything you can spare, you can donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gs-parachute-papyrus