Hope that messages can help save lives
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A TEENAGER who attached uplifting messages to a bridge to help people facing a mental health crisis has inspired volunteers at an Inverness-based suicide charity.
Paige Hunter (18) has handed fresh hope to Inverness’s Mikeysline team by tying more than 40 notes to Sunderland’s Wearmouth Bridge and scoring major success.
One note said: "Pause. Stop. Breathe.
"There are better options and so many people who love you."
And according to Northumbria Police, Ms Hunter’s notes have so far helped save the lives of six people.
Mikeysline founder Ron Williamson said it was a brilliant idea that had to be followed.
His organisation, which employs two full-time and two part-time staff who are supported by 34 volunteers, has designed and printed 3000 cards to roll out the same scheme.
Each note states: "Whatever you think, the world’s a better place with you in it," along with messages from supporters and contact information for Mikeysline.
Mr Williamson (69) said: "This is all thanks to Paige Hunter. We’ve got almost 4000 followers on social media and when her story came out we were inundated with calls from people saying ‘why can’t Mikeysline do this?’
"So we have decided to do it. We can only see positives."
The scheme works by inviting people to write their own special message on a card which will either find its way onto a special grid-fencing mural being made for the Kessock Bridge or other areas which are notorious spots.
The cards are available from Mikeysline’s Hive Project Academy Street base.
Secondary schools who want to adopt the scheme will also be handed a bundle of cards to create their own suicide and bullying-prevention walls.
Ms Hunter has been commended by Northumbria Police. She said: "I just want to help people and I’ve been told it’s already helped save six lives.
"Since I put the messages up I’ve had a lot of comments from people. They’ve said it’s been really inspiring."
