Short Films Warn Of Long Nights Without Help

A North West suicide prevention charity has launched a series of short films to illustrate how cut backs to its life saving services could have a devastating impact.

The films made for PAPYRUS warn of urgent calls being unanswered through the night, with desperate emails and webchats going unnoticed until the morning.

The Warrington-based charity, which launched an emergency appeal earlier this year, says it will do all it can to continue staffing its HOPELINE247 during the night, when children and young people are struggling through their darkest hours.

Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, PAPYRUS' chief executive, Ged Flynn, said:- "The films depict the unthinkable and the unimaginable. These are dark, worst-case scenarios where children and young people reach out to us for help and we are unable to respond. The films also show loved ones who are deeply worried about a child or young person being unable to get the support and reassurance they need during the night. These films don't whisper, they shout. Suicidal thoughts and fears can't wait until the morning."

The charity's emergency appeal has raised more than �354,000 but it needs �440,000 to ensure it can continue providing vital support to young people in crisis.

"We are so grateful to everyone who has already contributed to our emergency appeal. That generosity means that right now our HOPELINE247 service is available every minute of every hour, 365 days of the year, giving hope to those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide," added Ged Flynn. "No child or young person deserves to be alone with thoughts of suicide. Our work shines a ray of hope into the darkness. Suicides devastate families and friendships, shatter schools and shake the very foundations of our local communities. Every life lost is a tragic waste and yet we believe many young suicides can be prevented."

PAPYRUS says it is receiving a record number of contacts.

Since its:- 'HOPELINE247' service went round the clock in the summer of 2023, the charity has seen an 86% increase in the number of contacts received via text and emails. Last year there was a 66% increase in those reaching out via its webchat service.

The 4 short films were made by the Manchester-based Bank of Creativity. Creative Director, Nick Entwistle, said:- "PAPYRUS is an incredible charity offering support day, and night for anyone who needs it, when they need it. As someone who has seen my family affected by these issues and experienced mental health struggles myself, I was particularly keen to get involved in this campaign. The concept was to dramatise the possibility of a scenario in which PAPYRUS may no longer have enough funding to maintain its 24 hour support through:- 'HOPELINE247,' something that we must never let happen as suicidal thoughts don't wait until morning. The films feature some brave volunteers and staff who offered their time to bring this powerful concept to life. I'm very proud to have helped spread a very important message. Long may the great work of PAPYRUS continue. 24/7."

To donate to the PAPYRUS emergency appeal go to:- JustGiving.Com.

1st image and details revealed for flagship housing scheme at Festival Gardens

THE 1st image and details of a flagship, eco-friendly housing scheme at Liverpool's iconic Festival Gardens; which could see several hundred new homes created near to the Mersey waterfront; have been revealed.

Liverpool City Council is seeking to create an innovative and sustainable multi generational neighbourhood on 1 of England's biggest brownfield plots, which would complete the radical conversion of a former landfill site.

In a report to Liverpool City Council Cabinet next week, approval is being sought to enter into a development agreement with award-winning companies Urban Splash and igloo Regeneration.

They were chosen following a procurement process launched last Autumn and together have established a joint venture company which proposes to deliver 34 different styles of build on the stunning riverside location.

The report outlines a scheme which aims to maximise the use of renewable energy sources and cutting edge construction techniques to minimise its carbon footprint, with a design approach that would showcase:- "a festival of housing".

Pending Cabinet approval, it's expected a planning application for Phase 1 to be submitted in late 2026 for the creation of 440 homes. This would include:- 80 extra care and 110 affordable homes; far surpassing the Council's 20% target. If approved, build would begin in Spring 2027, with phase 2 and 3 to follow providing up to 800 homes in total.

The proposed scheme, which has the backing of Homes England and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, would see an un-parallelled blend of diverse designs to accommodate a multitude of needs such as co-housing, social rent, mixed tenure family homes, retirement living and self-build.

The groundbreaking project would celebrate both the legacy of the 1984 International Garden Festival and build on the colossal remediation of the 27-acre development zone. That saw more than 95% of the excavated materials recycled which in turn led to the creation of a new 37 acre park; Liverpool's 1st of the 21st Century.

The planning application would follow a major public consultation exercise which would also feature in depth detail on community facilities, high quality public open space and other infrastructure to cater for the needs of a growing residential and working population.

The diversity of housing offer will come from several sub-developers that form part of the wider Urban Splash and igloo team.

Extra care will be delivered by Alpha Living, affordable homes by the Regenda Group. Co-housing by Town with MMC provided by Starship. Urban Splash Residential Fund, Urban Splash and igloo will also deliver elements of scheme.

DWF is supporting the Council as part of a multi disciplinary team, providing real estate legal services throughout the procurement and delivery phases of this project.

Montagu Evans is assisting the Council as part of a multi disciplinary team comprised of project delivery consultant and construction expert Mace, architecture and urban design group Metropolitan Workshop and architectural practice Shedkm.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:- "We have always wanted to deliver an amazing housing scheme befitting this stunning location. And I think the plans outlined in this report show that the ambition to do something truly special at Festival Gardens can and will be delivered. The team of developers we're looking to work with have a fabulous track record in delivering outstanding innovative and sustainable projects of the highest order. I can't wait for our residents to see more details over the coming months and for them to have their input before the planning application is submitted next year."

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "Festival Gardens has the potential to be 1 of the most exciting and transformational brownfield developments in the country; and I'm delighted to see it moving forward. This is about more than just bricks and mortar, it's about building the kind of place that people are proud to call home. We're laying the foundations for a thriving new neighbourhood that reflects the kind of future we want to build; inclusive, innovative, and with our residents at its heart."

Jonathan Falkingham, MBE, co-founder of Urban Splash, said:- "Festival Gardens is 1 of Liverpool's biggest opportunities. It's a huge privilege to have been selected as the City's development partner on the creation of this new riverside neighbourhood. Our aim is to create a place for everyone and embrace the spirit of the original Garden Festival; showcasing outstanding housing design, innovative landscape strategies for healthier living, and building on the arts and cultural programme initiated 40 years ago. We're excited to work alongside our partners Alpha Living, Regenda, Town and Starship, together with 6 of the UK's leading housing architects, Liverpool City Council, wider stakeholders and the local community to deliver an exemplar project that the City can be proud of, and we look forward to sharing more details of the project in the near future."

Peter Connolly, chief executive at igloo Regeneration said:- "Festival Gardens is a landmark project that will create lasting impact for the City Region, with a thriving new neighbourhood offering a diverse mix of homes to support people at every stage of life. It also brings together, under the JV's leadership, a pioneering coalition of developers with a shared commitment to transform this iconic site into a community that's sustainable, inclusive and built to last."

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Short Films Warn Of Long Nights Without Help

1st image and details revealed for flagship housing scheme at Festival Gardens