Rochdale Rotary presents cheques to PAPYRUS and Place2Be

The Rochdale Rotary Club has donated thousands of pounds to the PAPYRUS charity, and the national children and young people's charity Place2Be.

A charities evening was held at the Richard Street Masonic Buildings on 8 September, where cheques were given to the two beneficiaries by immediate former president of Rochdale Rotary Club, Selwyn Hodge.

Selwyn, who has had a career in many educational roles, chose the two charities for his term as president after the mental pressures of young people were highlighted during the Covid lockdown period.

Money was raised during the successful Classic Car Show event at Falinge Park in the summer.
 

Read more: Rochdale Classic Car and Motorcycle Show in top gear againPublished: 20 July 2023

Mr Hodge presented former Woman of Rochdale Sarah Fitchett, and trustee of PAPYRUS, and Jessica Kateryniuk-Smith, of Place2Be with cheques for £2,500.

PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide – helps young people and their families cope with their mental health problems and thoughts of suicide with counselling and an emergency support helpline. Sarah became a trustee after the tragic death of her son, Ben, who took his own life in 2013, aged 14.
 

Read more: Sarah Fitchett - Woman of Rochdale 2022Published: 03 May 2022

Place2Be supports young people with mental health problems by means of a counselling service and other support services particularly through school times.

The former Rotary president said he was “pleased to present the cheques, knowing the money is going to such wonderful causes.

Sarah and Jessica thanked Selwyn and Rochdale Rotary for the generous donation.

Help and support

HOPELINEUK is PAPYRUS’ confidential helpline service providing practical advice and support to young people with thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned about a young person who may have thoughts of suicide.

HOPELINEUK is staffed by trained professionals, offering a telephone, text and email service.

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org

For more details about the online HOPELINK service, visit:

• www.papyrus-uk.org/hopelink/