Press Centre : Inspiring Women Burnley

NEWS RELEASE

Local Charity chair wins Inspiring Women Award

21 May 2008 - Anne Parry, chair of Burnley-based national charity PAPYRUS, for the prevention of young suicide, has been recognised as an ‘inspiring woman’, winning the ‘community’ sector of the 16^th Inspiring Women Awards that celebrate the achievements of special women in the North West.

Anne received her award from author, journalist and presenter, Danny Wallace, at a ceremony in Manchester on Friday 16 May, organised by Inspiring Women in association with the Britannia Building Society.

One of three finalists in the ‘community’ sector of the awards, Anne Parry has channelled the personal tragedy of her son’s suicide in 1994 into helping prevent other young people taking their own lives. One of the founding members of PAPYRUS, she has over the last eight years as chair, led the charity from a small group of parents who shared her loss of a child through suicide - and determined to prevent other families enduring the devastation - to the national charity it is today, with a vital helpline to support anyone concerned that a young person they know may be feeling suicidal.

“I felt very honoured to have been nominated by our trustees and even more so when I received the Award for the community section,” said Anne. “It was a privilege to be in the company of so many accomplished women and to hear how each has made an impact on society.”

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About PAPYRUS

PAPYRUS is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. It was founded in 1997 by a group of parents who had lost a son or daughter to suicide. PAPYRUS supports families, concerned friends, medics, mental health professionals, education staff and others who work with young people. Its publications, many of which can be downloaded at http://www.papyrus-uk.org/, are used extensively by, for example, parents, schools, medical staff, social workers and prison staff.

The charity’s helpline - HOPELineUK 08000 68 41 41- is a telephone service staffed by trained professionals who listen, give practical advice, information and support needed in order to approach and respond to suicidal feelings. It has helped hundreds of concerned parents and other family members, friends, teachers and professionals.

Editorial contact for more information and pictures:

Rosemary Vaux, PAPYRUS press office

tel 020 8943 5343 mobile 07792 72 62 41 email rvaux@ravenstonepr.co.uk