How to be a Friend for Life - Suicide Charity Reveals Survey Results

4 in 5 young people know someone who has had thoughts of suicide, according to the North West charity Papyrus. A new study also found that:- 1 in 3 young people would not know what to say if a friend admitted they were thinking of taking their own life.

Marking International Friendship Day was on:- 30 July 2026, and Warrington based Papyrus launched a new campaign to reassure young people that:- �You Don't Need To Know What To Say.�

30 year old Georgia knows the importance of reaching out for help. She said:- �When my friend told me they were experiencing suicidal thoughts, I wanted to help. We had an open conversation about how they were feeling and ways to support them, but afterwards I was left wondering 'had I said the right thing? Should I have done more?' That's when I called HopeLine 24/7.�

The service operates round the clock, 365 days a year. Trained suicide prevention advisers offer confidential support by phone, text, email and webchat.

Georgia said:- �The adviser listened without judgement, helped me put the situation into perspective and reassured me that what I had already done was the right thing. They helped me understand safe boundaries and allowed me to think out loud as to what I felt should be my next step, which gave me the confidence to continue supporting my friend. I called HopeLine 24/7 again the next day for a debrief, and they reminded me that it wasn't my responsibility to make everything better forever, it was about helping someone through this frightening moment. Thankfully, together we helped keep them safe.�

In the survey Papyrus asked more than:- 1,000 young people a series of questions about suicide, including:- if they would feel able to support someone who was struggling with life. The study concluded:-

4 in 5 know someone who has had thoughts of suicide.
1 in 3 would not know what to say if a friend was thinking about suicide.

Papyrus relies on public generosity to help keep its HopeLine 24/7 service running and says a donation of just:- �15 funds a 30-minute conversation with an adviser which could help to save a young life.

Since the service went round-the-clock in the summer of 2023, the charity has seen a huge increase in demand for its lifesaving services.

In the 1st half of this year the number of webchat contacts increased by:- 86%, texts were up by:- 29.3%, emails increased by:- 25% while calls rose by 6.7% compared to the same period last year.

The charity's Chief executive, Ged Flynn, said:- �Regrettably the increased demand for our services comes at a time when we are seeing a significant reduction in the voluntary revenue we receive. That means we face real challenges in the way we deliver our vital services. Our work shines a ray of light into the darkness. Right now we are here every minute of every hour, 365 days of the year, giving hope to those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide.�

For more information and to donate go to this website.

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice, please contact Papyrus HopeLine 24/7 on:- 03001022470, text:- 88247, visit this link for the webchat service or email:- Pat@Papyrus-UK.Org.

Moss Bridge Investigations Complete, Design Plans for New Bridge Underway

A vital back road heading out from Formby towards Ormskirk has been closed by the local highway authority since:- September 2024, due to the poor condition of Moss Bridge's structure. Issues 1st started to show up in the:- 1990s, and since:- 1998, a weight restriction of:- 3 tonnes has been in place.

Following the latest programme of planned inspection and investigation work, that was completed in:- August 2024, the condition of the wrought iron elements of the bridge was the main concern, with extensive corrosion to structural elements throughout leading to its complete closure.

Since the dangerous condition of the bridge was uncovered, it was hoped that refurbishment works on the road could see it fixed and reopened in 2026. However, the poor condition of the structure observed at inspection; alongside evidence of frequent overloading and misuse of the existing 3 tonne gross vehicle weight limit; has prompted a permanent closure of the road to all users.

Now, a replacement crossing over Cheshire Lines Brook will be constructed to allow the reopening of Moss Lane to all users.

National Highways said in a press release:- "The widespread nature of the defects found on the bridge means we've had to reconsider the previously proposed refurbishment project and review wider options for the structure."

According to Downholland Parish Council, the closure has had a significant impact on the local community, as highlighted by local parish councils and highway authority updates. As a key link between:- Haskayne, Downholland, and Formby, the loss of access via:- Moss Lane has disrupted a well-used route between:- West Lancashire and Sefton (Merseyside).

This has forced local motorists onto longer signed diversion routes, while also impacting access for nearby agricultural sites, 3rd party land maintenance, and active travel users on the surrounding transport networks.

National Highways have said publicly that:- "We have now concluded our site investigations, surveys and consultation with stakeholders and the community. This has determined that a replacement crossing over Cheshire Lines Brook will be constructed to allow the reopening of Moss Lane to all users. Design of the replacement bridge is now underway and following completion of the preliminary design, planning permission will be applied for later this year. The new bridge will be at a lower level and only span over the Cheshire Lines Brook. This will allow the Cheshire Lines Path to cross over Moss Lane rather than pass beneath it and provide improvement for access and maintenance of adjacent 3rd party assets. The replacement structure will be designed to meet current highway loading standards and provide a minimum life expectancy of:- 120 years, offering continuity for road users. The proposed arrangement for the new bridge is subject to further negotiation with wider stakeholders through the design phase to ensure an arrangement is designed to accommodate users' needs as far as is practicable. We would like to remind motorists that the closure remains in place to ensure the safety of road users."

Did You Know?

Constructed in the:- 1880s, Moss Bridge is situated on the outskirts of:- Formby, Merseyside, (spanning the boundary area between both:- Sefton Council and West Lancashire Borough Council) to carry users of Moss Lane (back then in Lancashire). The bridge took traffic over the former Cheshire Lines Railway, with Cheshire Lines Brook also running underneath. Today, the bridge still connects both sides of the Brook, but the disused railway line's track bed is now part of the:- National Cycle Network Route 62 (the Cheshire Lines Path / Trans Pennine Trail).

Key dates for the Cheshire Lines Railway (Aintree to Southport Extension):-

The Aintree to Southport Extension opened in:- 1884.
Passenger services on the line finished on:- 7 January 1952.
Freight / Goods services on the line stopped on:- 7 July 1952.
The track was completely lifted and removed between:- 1957 and 1960.

Also, did you know that the:- National Cycle Network Route 62 (Trans Pennine Trail) officially opened in:- 2000 (with sections like the:- Liverpool Loop Line being developed from:- 1988 onwards and completed in 2000)?

LCC Bridge no. 2196 is at grid reference:- 332934, 408363.

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How to be a Friend for Life - Suicide Charity Reveals Survey Results

Moss Bridge Investigations Complete, Design Plans for New Bridge Underway