17/06/2024
Meet Melody - a once happy and confident young lady with a heart as big as her beautiful brown locks and the passion to fight for what she believed in. But like so many others, Melody grew tired of all life's pressures and didn't know where to turn. She was always the one helping but struggled to find anyone to listen to her. She tried to reach out to those closest to her but it seemed like nobody cared and Melodie's sadness grew too big for her to handle. She decided to give up and leave the world behind, so she packed a bag and off she went. But life has a way of surprising people and Melodie's life was changed forever after one simple conversation and an important piece of paper. Melody was back and determined to make sure every child found their voice too.
Over two hundred schoolchildren are lost to su***de every year. Research shows that with appropriate early intervention and support, su***de by young people can be prevented. I would love to have the opportunity to engage this diffcult but vital conversation within the classroom and at home, to give young people much needed support and highlight their options in a time of crisis.
I left school at the age of fourteen due to mental health and know all too well how daunting life can be at such a young age and to feel there is no way out. I wish I had access to something that made me feel seen and heard aswel as provided support in a way I could relate to. I am hoping my book could be that tool for children aswel as any parents/caregivers that read it. It highlights the importance of using their voices and contacting the appropriate people if they feel they are not heard at home or by friends, for whatever reason.
The book contains information for PAPYRUS (Prevention of young su***de)
PAPYRUS is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of su***de and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
At HOPELINE247 – PAPYRUS’s dedicated su***de prevention helpline – trained advisers work on a safety plan with young people aged 35 and under who are experiencing thoughts of su***de, to help keep them safe for now.
Call: 0800 068 41 41
Text: 88247
For more information on PAPYRUS please head to www.papyrus-uk.org
For more information on the book just search 'The girl who wasn't heard' on fb, insta or tiktok.
The book is now available online at WHSmiths, amazon, pegasuspublishers.com and many more!
Thank you for reading. I hope we can create healthier discussions within the classroom and at home to prevent children from feeling unheard like I once did. 🖤
