Raising awareness around mental health: Supporting PAPYRUS at AESC UK
Raising awareness around mental health: Supporting PAPYRUS at AESC UK
As part of the AESC UK Gigafactory project in Sunderland, Davey Armstrong has taken proactive steps to support suicide prevention charity PAPYRUS, engaging in a series of solo volunteering events across the North East.
His efforts have not only raised awareness but also sparked meaningful conversations and community connections.
Davey kicked off his outreach at Gateshead Construction College, where he spoke directly with 12 students about suicide prevention and mental health support. One student even took resources to share with a friend outside the college — an encouraging sign of peer-to-peer support. Branded stress balls and pens were quickly taken, showing strong interest and engagement.
A notable outcome from this visit was an invitation from North East Young Dads and Lads, who are keen to collaborate with PAPYRUS at an upcoming event. This opens the door for further community engagement and support.
At the Gigafactory site canteen, Davey set up a light-hearted bean bag game to draw attention and encourage participation. This activity led to 40 direct contacts, including two deeply personal conversations with individuals who shared, for the first time, their experiences of losing loved ones to suicide. These moments highlight the importance of creating safe, informal spaces where people feel comfortable opening up.
Davey’s final stop was in South Shields, where he connected with:
12
local community workers who collected PAPYRUS leaflets
10
students preparing to start college
1
local crisis group from South Tyneside
All available leaflets were distributed, underscoring the demand for mental health resources and the relevance of PAPYRUS’s mission in the local community.
Davey’s solo volunteering efforts demonstrate how one person can make a significant impact. By combining creativity, compassion, and initiative, he has helped raise awareness, foster conversations, and build bridges between PAPYRUS and local communities.
His work is a powerful reminder that suicide prevention starts with connection — and that every conversation matters.
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