Busiest day for helpline after soap suicide story

A SUICIDE prevention charity helpline experienced its “busiest day ever” after troubled Coronation Street character Aidan Connor killed himself, prompting a flood of requests for help from young people.

Papyrus, which provides trained support for callers to its HopeLineUK service, said staff “worked relentlessly, without taking a break” to cope with the surge in demand.

Charity chief executive Ged Flynn told the Press Association there were “three times as many calls as a routine day” after Monday night’s episodes, and the subsequent instalment on Wednesday when Aidan’s family and friends made the grim discovery.

Mr Flynn praised the soap, and actor Shayne Ward, for the “sensitive and brave handling” of the storyline, and said it undoubtedly prompted people to come forward and ask for help.

He said: “There is strong evidence that says when something like suicide affects a cherished person perhaps in the public eye, it encourages others to seek help – and we’ve certainly seen that here.

“Our advisers were in all day and they worked relentlessly – none of them took a break due to the sheer number of people phoning up, texting, leaving voicemails, asking for help.

“I think the storyline – the way it was sensitively handled without being sensationalised – the way Aidan’s character was portrayed on screen, and the subsequent coverage in the media clearly affected a lot of people.”

The Papyrus number is 0800 068 4141. The Samaritans number is 116 123 (free).