Teenager's notes on bridge help save six lives in Sunderland

A teenager who pinned messages of hope to a bridge in the North East of England for those suffering from a mental health crisis has been praised by police.

Police say Paige Hunter, 18, who tied more than 40 notes to Sunderland's Wearmouth Bridge, has helped save six lives.

One note read: “Even though things are difficult, your life matters; you're a shining light in a dark world, so just hold on.”

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Northumbria Police Ch Supt Sarah Pitt told The Newcastle Chronicle that it was an “innovative way to reach out to those in a dark place”.

She added: “We thought it was important to applaud the work Paige has been doing and the help she has given those in Sunderland who are going through a mental health crisis.”

“Paige has shown an incredible understanding of vulnerable people in need of support... For somebody so young, Paige has shown a real maturity and we thought it would only be right to thank her personally. She should be very proud of herself.”

The East Durham College student, who also works at Poundworld, was given a commendation certificate by the force.

“Since I put the messages up I've had a lot of comments from people,” she said. “They've said it's been really inspiring.

“It's just amazing, the response it has had. I wasn't doing this for an award. It was just something that I wanted to do.”

Since 2013, Northumbria Police’s Street Triage service “has seen a team of dedicated officers and mental health nurses work alongside each other to respond to people experiencing a mental health crisis”, says the BBC.

It was set up in partnership with Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.