CHRISTMAS in Trafford can be a joyful time but that is not true for everyone.

According to the Prevention of Young Suicide(PAPYRUS), it has seen a considerable rise in the number of young people seeking help.

Every year in the UK, between 600 and 800 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 take their own lives - a number equivalent to the population of a small secondary school

The charity’s says this time round, its text and email service is dealing with a steep increase in requests for support and the number of first-time new contacts has almost doubled in the last few weeks.

The charity’s ‘seasonal’ message to all young people is a gentle reminder to take time to relax in mind body and spirit; to think, to seek support, to aim to find peace even for a short time.

PAPYRUS chief executive Ged Flynn said: “Taking time to do something that interests us and we love is vital to our mental wellbeing.

"The charity believes there is a lot of pressure at this time of year and 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.

"It is a simple message to watch out for others; but don’t forget yourself."

PAPYRUS was founded in 1997 by a group of parents who had a lost a child through suicide: parents determined to do everything possible to save other families and young people from a similar fate.

For confidential support and advice, the PAPYRUS HOPELineUK helpline services will be open from 2pm to 5pm on the Christmas/New Year bank holidays and 10am to 10pm other days for young people seeking support and anyone concerned about a young person they know. Tel 0800 068 41 41 text 07796 209 697 email pat@papyrus-uk.org