Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide has announced it is closing with a loss of more than 120 jobs, citing increasing costs and a fall in funding.

A statement from its administrations Emma Mifsud and Charles Turner of Opus Restructuring & Insolvency said that their appointment “follows an extended and extremely difficult period in which the charity’s board of trustees and senior management explored every available option to secure Papyrus’ future”.

This had included changing its operating model, reducing costs and looking at transferring services to other organisations.

“Despite these efforts, and against a backdrop of rising demand, increased trading costs, and a reduction in reliable funding across the sector, the board concluded that the charity was no longer able to continue operating in such a climate, taking the decision, to appoint insolvency practitioners in line with their fiduciary duties,” said the administrators.

They added: “The Joint Administrators recognise the charity’s significant contribution and the dedication of its staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters.

“Their focus will now be on managing the charity’s affairs through the administration process and supporting an orderly closure. Further information will be provided as and when it becomes available.”

In a statement the charity said it is “deeply saddened” to confirm the charity’s closure and signposted young people to alternative services for support, including the Samaritans and Shout.

“Other services provided by the charity are currently being reviewed,” it said.

“Where possible an alternative provider will be sought to carry on those services.”



According to the Charity Register the charity has 124 staff and is supported by eight trustees and 144 volunteers.

Its spending had outstripped its income in two of the last four years. For the 12 months to March last year its income was £5.3m, but over this period its spending reached £6.9m.

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