Northern Lincolnshire duo organise charity ball for suicide prevention
Organisers James and Michael have lost two friends to suicide.
Two friends from Northern Lincolnshire have organised a charity ball for suicide prevention to mark 10 years after their school friend Leo took his own life.
Michael Trueman from Scunthorpe and James Smith from Grimsby have since lost a second friend to suicide, and are raising money for UK charity Prevention of Young Suicide (PAPYRUS).
Michael said: "We want to get lots of friends together to have a really good time and open up the conversation around young suicide.
"It's a stigmatised issue and I think a route to having better outcomes for young people in the future is to talk about these things openly and to support each other."
The pair have sold over 220 tickets to the ball which will be held at the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe at 7PM tomorrow (23 March). They have been supported by over 30 organisations who have helped with funding, promotions and raffle prize donations.
James said: "You don't have to go very far to meet someone who's been affected by young suicide. It's such an important cause and it means a great deal to us that we're able to hopefully make a tangible difference.
"It's not the sort of issue you should just brush under the carpet. All of us can make a meaningful difference by reaching out to others."
If you, or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can speak to your GP. If someone's life is in danger - call 999 immediately.
You can also find help and advice from these services:
Hub of Hope - https://hubofhope.co.uk
Samaritans – Call 116123 - https://www.samaritans.org
Mind - 0300 123 3393 - https://www.mind.org.uk