We all like to try and stay happy and positive each and every day. But, let’s face it; life isn’t always rainbows and unicorns. Every single one of us hits rough patches, and some are worse than others.
Sometimes we just need to go off by ourselves and rest or meditate. Other times we need to find a way to de-stress, such as by taking a walk, listening to music, or hugging a loved one. And other times we need to hear or see encouraging words from another person … any person.
Notes of Hope Impact Community
Sometimes despair can get extremely serious, though, to the point where we don’t even want to be around anymore. To help those individuals who feel this way and have lost hope, one 18-year-old woman in the UK is reaching out in an unusual way.
The teen’s name is Paige Hunter, a university student who is studying social care and health, and her messages of hope are heartfelt and compelling. She has written more than 40 notes of hope and attached them to the Wearmouth Bridge railing, located in Sunderland, England. Her efforts have saved at least six lives so far, according to the local police.
Some of Paige’s message of hope include:
- “Even though things are difficult, your life matters; you’re a shining light in a dark world, so just hold on.”
- “Be strong because things will get better. It may be stormy now, but it never rains forever.”
- “Take a deep breath. Step back. Don’t do this. We care.”
- “It will get better. Please hold on.”
Local Police Recognize Teen’s Life-Saving Efforts
The local Northumbria police department called Paige’s efforts an “innovative” way to reach those “in a dark place.” Local police also presented Paige with a commendation certificate for her stunning efforts to reach out to those in need.
Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, who works with the city on services that help those with mental health issues, acknowledged Paige’s award by saying the following, according to Distractify:
“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 the 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.
“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.”
Those Struggling Reach Out to Paige
Paige has received several notes from some of the people who have been directly impacted by her notes on the bridge. One of those individuals wrote to Paige on Facebook, saying:
“I want to say a massive THANKYOU!! to the young girl Paige Hunter … At 6 p.m. I went down to the bridge with every intention of ending my life to not only find when I get there bright coloured notes at least 40 each side. As I was about to climb over I stopped at a sign that said “Be STRONG because things will get better, it may be stormy now but it never rains forever” and alot [sic] more. If it was not for Paige I would have been at the bottom of the river and my family would have been broken. So THANK YOU!!! You are a beautiful young lady with heart [sic] of gold and deserve recognition for doing what you did <3.”
And another struggling mother wrote the following message to Paige on her Facebook page:
I would say I have been trying to write this post for almost a week but I have had no idea on what to say and how to thank somone [sic] so much for saving my life and there is simply no words at all, seriously
5 lifes 5!!! At the moment and probably many more that you don’t know off, depression is a hard thing to deal with and i felt so so alone that i went to Wearmouth Bridge All I needed was somebody to tell me it was going to be ok or for someone just to say “when you feel like giving up just remember why you held on for so long” and that was my kids that’s why I keep fighting every day to see them grow and Paige Hunter if it was not for you and what you did my boys would have had no one you are an amazing young girl!! Im proud of you and so is everyone the fact you have saved 5 families from getting the news that there father, mother, daughter, son etc has died from suicide, or they have went missing is something you need to be more than proud as i know all families will be and so is the city of Sunderland!!!
You have showed how somthing to little and priceless can change the lifes of many. It should be made permanent
I am now getting the help I need weather [sic]that be friends, family and professions it all because of you THANK YOU!! and I know that by the Sunderland Echo you haven’t the easiest of lifes [sic] and that breaks me at such a young age you Paige remain strong because we need more people in this world like you. Thank you for helping me see a sign that I was not ready to go.
Paige Shares her Own Struggle
Paige is not an outsider when it comes to dealing with mental health issues. She recently shared her own story of struggle and strength:
“When I was young I went through a trauma and I couldn’t see a light and felt really bad.
“People helped me and if it wasn’t for them, I might not be here and I thought about if I could do the same for others by writing messages to help them.”
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
“I wasn’t doing this for an award; it was just something that I wanted to do. I just want to help people,” Paige said.
For those contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or visit the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website.
