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Kind Notes Save Lives

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25 July 2018

By Bronwen

An 18-year-old girl who left notes on Sunderland’s Wearmouth bridge has been presented with an award after her messages helped save six lives.

Paige Hunter tied 40 notes to the railings of the bridge with uplifting messages intended for individuals in crisis. One of the notes read: “Even though things are difficult, your life matters; you’re a shining light in a dark world, so just hold on.”

The student/sales assistant was awarded a certificate of commendation by Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt after the neighbourhood team praised her idea.

Chief Supt Pitt said: “It goes to recognise her understanding of vulnerable people in need of support and the innovative way used to get to people going through a trauma. For somebody so young, that’s a really good value to have and for us and mental health teams across the board it could mean they access what they need and recognise there are options for them and to support them as they go through life circumstances.”

“I think Paige is a real inspiration and hopefully an inspiration to others. There used to be a stigma around this, but now it’s very much accepted that when your brain goes through an injury or is struggling, it’s fine to get support. I think Paige is a real inspiration and hopefully an inspiration to others. She’s made a difference.”

Paige has since returned to the bridge and added more notes in order to continue her life-saving work.

“I just want to help people and I’ve been told it’s already helped save six lives,” she said.

The North East has the highest suicide rate in the UK which makes her work in Tyne and Wear even more important.

 

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