A group of young teenagers who comforted a suicidal woman in woodland have been praised by police.

Emergency services were called to the dene near Peterlee town centre at teatime on Sunday to reports of a woman, thought to be in her 50s, who in distress and experiencing a mental health crisis.

Thirteen-year-old Lily Amelia Hunt was with three friends when a boy she knows made her aware of a woman who was down a hill.

Read more: Video shows driver dangerously overtaking on Chester-le-Street road

The Northern Echo: Lily Amelia Hunt Lily Amelia Hunt (Image: Contributor)

Lily, who attends Shotton Hall Academy, said she spoke to the woman and gave her support until police arrived.

Lily said: “There was a big group of us but I was the one who went and sat with her.

“I have been in in moments where I have been upset and I didn’t want everyone surrounding her in case that upset her more and made her feel claustrophobic.

“I just wanted to distract her at the start but we started talking. We had a very nice conversation.

“She was telling me about her dog and her sisters and stuff.

“I felt really horrible for her because I can get quite upset too. I didn’t want to leave her because you never know.”

Lily said the rest of the group helped by staying until police arrived and showed officers where they were.

The Northern Echo: The incident happened in Peterlee DeneThe incident happened in Peterlee Dene (Image: Google)

Lily’s mam, Kylie, said she got a surprise when she received a phone call on Sunday evening from officers about Lily.

She said: “I nearly died when she said it was Peterlee police. My heart sank.

“I was like: ‘I’m going to kill her. What has she done?’ but she said ‘No, it is all good’.

“I am really proud of her. She did something really amazing.

“It was nice she could just sit with her and keep her ok until the police got there because it could have been a different situation.

“Let’s hope the lady gets the help she needs.”

Peterlee police put a post on their Facebook praising all of the young people who were involved in helping the woman.

The Northern Echo: PC Beth Holmes PC Beth Holmes (Image: Contributor)

The statement said: “PC Holmes from Peterlee Neighbourhood Team would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to eight teenagers who helped a woman in distress in Peterlee Dene area this afternoon.

“By chance the teenagers came across this lady and she was struggling with her mental health.

“The teens stayed with her, made sure she was safe and comforted her until police arrived.

“Parents...you should be proud of your kids. They did a really good thing today.”

The group has been further praised by people in the community who commented on the post.

Read next:

For more quality journalism, subscribe to The Northern Echo here.

Bryn Richard said: “Well done, helping somebody in a mental health crisis.

“You all should be proud of yourselves.

“I am sure your family and the wider community are.”

Julie Thomas said: “It’s great to read such positivity regarding what teenagers get up to.

“Not all youths are up to ‘no good’ and this proves as such.

“Well done to all involved and keep up the brilliant community support to help those in need.” 

  • Anyone in need of help can call Samaritans day or night on 116 123