Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
The Big Issue Oasis Collector's edition is coming - sign up so you don't miss out!
SIGN UP
News

Heartbreaking shoe display lays bare child suicide figures

It's not something anyone wants to think about but a charity is turning the spotlight on the urgent issue

It’s a scene designed to stop passers-by in their tracks.

Dig a little deeper into what it means and the shock sinks in. Each pair of shoes lined neatly in front of St George’s Hall in Liverpool represents a child who took their own life in Britain in 2017 – 226 in all.

It was organised by suicide prevention charity PAPYRUS to mark Children’s Mental Health Week and as part of their #SaveTheClass campaign on child suicide.

The charity joined local broadcaster Radio City for the 100th episode of its Mental Health Monday show.

“We hope our live show and Lost Childhoods shoes event will shine a spotlight on the issue of young people’s suicide and also the wider issues our young people are facing,” said presenter Mick Coyle.

It comes in the same week as a YouGov poll for the Prince’s Trust found the number of youngsters feeling like life is not worth living doubled in 10 years, from nine per cent to 18 per cent.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Image: Papyrus

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

SIGN THE PETITION

Will you sign Big Issue's petition to ask Keir Starmer to pass a Poverty Zero law? It's time to hold government to account on poverty once and for all.

Recommended for you

View all
I'm a working mum-of-four – ending the two-child benefit cap would be life-changing for us
child in waterproof jacket
Two-child benefit cap

I'm a working mum-of-four – ending the two-child benefit cap would be life-changing for us

The broken driving test system proves our public services are fraying at the edges
Stock image of a London street with cars and buses
James Rose

The broken driving test system proves our public services are fraying at the edges

Wales wants to be anti-racist by 2030. But it won't happen until Gypsies and Travellers get justice
Community

Wales wants to be anti-racist by 2030. But it won't happen until Gypsies and Travellers get justice

Labour's disability benefits bill is supposed to help people into work – but the jobs aren't there
Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall speaking in parliament
Disability Benefits

Labour's disability benefits bill is supposed to help people into work – but the jobs aren't there

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know

Support our vendors with a subscription

For each subscription to the magazine, we’ll provide a vendor with a reusable water bottle, making it easier for them to access cold water on hot days.