Episodios

  • S1 Ep06 - Breaking the Cycle
    Mar 24 2025
    In this episode of Let's Talk Hope, host Gemma Cutting and Professor Pooja Saini discuss the generational cycle of suicide with guests Ellie Parmakas and Jasmine Humphries from Epic Hope. They explore the importance of community support, lived experience in suicide prevention, and the role of media in raising awareness. The conversation highlights the need for alternative crisis intervention services and the significance of breaking the cycle of suicide within families. The episode emphasizes hope, support, and the importance of managing suicidal feelings rather than simply recovering from them.TakeawaysThe podcast aims to reduce the stigma around suicide.Ellie founded Epic Hope to address high suicide rates in her community.Jasmine's lived experience drives her passion for postvention work.Crisis harbors provide a non-clinical, supportive environment for those in crisis.Community support is crucial in suicide prevention efforts.Lived experience can enhance the effectiveness of support services.Media attention is increasing awareness about suicide prevention.Breaking the cycle of suicide is essential for future generations.Managing suicidal feelings is a lifelong process.Hope and support can lead to a fulfilling life despite struggles.Sound Bites"We need to help people who are suicidal.""We've saved 17 lives in January.""It's so important to break that cycle.""Life can be absolutely beautiful.""The work you're doing is amazing."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Let's Talk Hope01:30 Breaking the Cycle of Suicide02:34 Ellie's Journey and the Birth of Epic Hope06:07 Jasmine's Experience and the Importance of Postvention08:13 Crisis Intervention: A New Approach12:56 The Role of Community Support15:04 Lived Experience in Suicide Prevention18:44 The Nature vs. Nurture Debate20:01 Media's Role in Suicide Awareness23:55 Managing Suicidal Feelings and Finding HopeMore Information / Help & SupportFor more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support:Papyrus provides confidential support and advice to young people (under 25 years of age)struggling with thoughts of suicide: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needssomeone: https://www.samaritans.org/Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service foranyone who is struggling to cope: https://giveusashout.org/Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.: https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/James’ Place is a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at three centresin Liverpool, London and Newcastle: https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database: https://hubofhope.co.uk/Alfie’s Squad is a service for children bereaved by suicide: https://alfiessquad.org/Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide: https://amparo.org.uk/ CreditsSeries conceived by Prof Pooja Saini at Liverpool John Moores UniversityProduced and distributed by Innobella MediaHosted by Gemma Cutting Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson
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    25 m
  • S1 Ep03 - Hope in Action: What Communities Can Do
    Mar 24 2025
    This episode of Let's Talk Hope focuses on suicide prevention, featuring a diverse range of guests who share their experiences and insights. The conversation highlights the importance of community-based initiatives, the role of data in understanding suicide, and the need for collaboration between different services. The guests emphasize the significance of storytelling in raising awareness and normalizing conversations around mental health. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to seek help and utilize available resources.TakeawaysThe podcast aims to reduce the stigma around suicide.Diverse voices are essential in discussing suicide prevention.Community-based services play a crucial role in intervention.Data helps understand the complexities of suicide.Collaboration between services enhances support for individuals in crisis.Storytelling can inspire hope and encourage help-seeking behavior.Awareness of alternative support options is vital for those in need.Normalizing conversations about mental health is key to prevention.Engaging with lived experiences can provide valuable insights.Interconnectedness among organizations strengthens the fight against suicide.Sound Bites"Anyone can be touched by suicide.""Suicide intervention is our core gig.""It's not always a medical thing.""It's about normalising the conversation.""We're all interconnected in this work."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Suicide Prevention and Hope01:30 Diverse Voices in Suicide Prevention02:41 Community-Based Suicide Prevention Initiatives06:10 The Role of Data in Understanding Suicide14:38 Collaboration Between Services20:23 Raising Awareness Through Storytelling25:42 Conclusion and Resources for SupportMore Information / Help & SupportFor more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support:Papyrus provides confidential support and advice to young people (under 25 years of age)struggling with thoughts of suicide: ⁠https://www.papyrus-uk.org/⁠Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needssomeone: ⁠https://www.samaritans.org/⁠Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service foranyone who is struggling to cope: ⁠https://giveusashout.org/⁠Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/⁠James’ Place is a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at three centresin Liverpool, London and Newcastle: ⁠https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/⁠Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database: ⁠https://hubofhope.co.uk/⁠Alfie’s Squad is a service for children bereaved by suicide: ⁠https://alfiessquad.org/⁠Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide: ⁠https://amparo.org.uk/⁠ CreditsSeries conceived by Prof Pooja Saini at Liverpool John Moores UniversityProduced and distributed by Innobella MediaHosted by Gemma Cutting Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson
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    27 m
  • S1 Ep04 - Women, Menopause and Mental Health
    Mar 24 2025
    This episode of Let's Talk Hope delves into the critical intersection of menopause, mental health, and suicide prevention. Hosted by Gemma Cutting, it features discussions with MP Carolyn Harris and Dr. Louise Newson, who share personal experiences and insights on the stigma surrounding menopause, the importance of advocacy, and the urgent need for awareness and research in this area. The conversation highlights the alarming statistics regarding suicide rates among menopausal women and emphasizes the necessity for better training and understanding within the medical community.TakeawaysThe stigma around menopause affects women's mental health.Women aged 45 to 55 are at the highest risk of suicide.Advocacy is crucial for raising awareness about menopause.Personal experiences can drive passion for change.There is a lack of understanding about menopause in the medical field.Women need to be their own advocates for health.Research is essential to understand the link between menopause and mental health.Community support plays a vital role in women's health.Training for healthcare professionals on menopause is inadequate.Conversations about menopause are becoming more prevalent.Sound Bites"Women aged 45 to 55 are at highest risk of suicide""We need to get the narrative right""There is an answer to this""The world is ending and I'd be in there""This is a time of your life that you can get through""We are our best advocates now""We need to have more evidence, more research""It's not just a problem for women, it's for everyone"Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose01:30 Exploring Menopause and Mental Health03:02 Personal Stories and Experiences with Menopause08:59 The Link Between Menopause and Suicide14:52 Advocacy and Awareness in Menopause Conversations20:02 Research and Data on Menopause and Mental Health24:54 Challenges in Medical Training and Awareness29:51 The Importance of Self-Advocacy for Women35:02 Future Directions in Menopause and Suicide Prevention39:59 Conclusion and Call to ActionMore Information / Help & SupportFor more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support:Papyrus provides confidential support and advice to young people (under 25 years of age)struggling with thoughts of suicide: ⁠https://www.papyrus-uk.org/⁠Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needssomeone: ⁠https://www.samaritans.org/⁠Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service foranyone who is struggling to cope: ⁠https://giveusashout.org/⁠Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/⁠James’ Place is a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at three centresin Liverpool, London and Newcastle: ⁠https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/⁠Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database: ⁠https://hubofhope.co.uk/⁠Alfie’s Squad is a service for children bereaved by suicide: ⁠https://alfiessquad.org/⁠Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide: ⁠https://amparo.org.uk/⁠ CreditsSeries conceived by Prof Pooja Saini at Liverpool John Moores UniversityProduced and distributed by Innobella MediaHosted by Gemma Cutting Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson
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    41 m
  • S1 Ep01 - Distress in Disguise: Recognising the Signs
    Mar 24 2025
    In this episode of Let's Talk Hope, host Gemma Cutting and guests Jane Boland and Rob Glover discuss with Prof. Pooja Saini the importance of addressing suicide and mental health openly. They explore the pressures faced by public figures, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the need for community conversations to support those in crisis. The episode emphasizes that anyone can be affected by suicidal thoughts and that it is crucial to create safe spaces for dialogue and support.TakeawaysThe podcast aims to reduce the stigma around suicide.Personal experiences can inspire hope and awareness.Public figures can influence conversations about mental health.Stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help.Community support is vital in suicide prevention.Conversations about suicide should happen in everyday settings.It's important to recognize the signs of distress.Preparation is key for having difficult conversations.Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of status.We need more open discussions about mental health.Sound Bites"Anyone can be touched by suicide.""It's okay to talk about it.""We need more people to talk about it.""We need to talk about suicide openly.""We need to break down the stigma.""It's about having that conversation."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Let's Talk Hope01:30 Distress in Disguise: Recognizing the Signs07:30 The Pressure of Public Life13:13 Understanding Suicidal Crisis20:06 Breaking the Stigma Around Suicide28:52 Community Conversations and ResourcesMore Information / Help & SupportFor more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support:Papyrus provides confidential support and advice to young people (under 25 years of age)struggling with thoughts of suicide: ⁠https://www.papyrus-uk.org/⁠Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needssomeone: ⁠https://www.samaritans.org/⁠Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service foranyone who is struggling to cope: ⁠https://giveusashout.org/⁠Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/⁠James’ Place is a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at three centresin Liverpool, London and Newcastle: ⁠https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/⁠Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database: ⁠https://hubofhope.co.uk/⁠Alfie’s Squad is a service for children bereaved by suicide: ⁠https://alfiessquad.org/⁠Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide: ⁠https://amparo.org.uk/⁠ CreditsSeries conceived by Prof Pooja Saini at Liverpool John Moores UniversityProduced and distributed by Innobella MediaHosted by Gemma Cutting Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson
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    31 m
  • S1 Ep05 - Suicide Survivors: Stories of Strength
    Mar 24 2025
    In this episode of Let's Talk Hope, host Gemma Cutting and Professor Pooja Saini engage in a heartfelt discussion with guests Jake, Damian, and Lindsay, who share their personal experiences with suicide and mental health struggles. The conversation highlights the importance of lived experiences in shaping mental health services, the impact of environment on recovery, and the need for awareness and understanding in addressing mental health issues. The episode emphasizes the role of data in improving mental health support and concludes with a call to action for listeners to seek help and share resources.TakeawaysThe podcast aims to reduce the stigma around suicide.Personal stories can inspire hope and open conversations.Lived experiences are crucial in designing effective mental health services.Environment plays a significant role in mental health recovery.Awareness of mental health issues, including menopause, is essential.Data collection can influence mental health policy and service provision.Community support services can provide critical help during crises.Sharing personal experiences can help others feel less isolated.The importance of creating welcoming and non-clinical environments for support.Engaging with lived experience can enhance research and intervention strategies.Sound Bites"It was one of the best experiences I could have.""What would you want in this type of centre?""I felt that I was not really treated as a human.""We have over 300,000 users a year."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Suicide Awareness01:30 Personal Stories of Struggle05:39 The Impact of Environment on Mental Health10:38 The Role of Lived Experience in Research14:30 Raising Awareness and Helping Others16:28 Data-Driven Insights in Mental Health Support19:23 Conclusion and ResourcesMore Information / Help & SupportFor more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support:Papyrus provides confidential support and advice to young people (under 25 years of age)struggling with thoughts of suicide: ⁠https://www.papyrus-uk.org/⁠Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needssomeone: ⁠https://www.samaritans.org/⁠Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service foranyone who is struggling to cope: ⁠https://giveusashout.org/⁠Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/⁠James’ Place is a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at three centresin Liverpool, London and Newcastle: ⁠https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/⁠Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database: ⁠https://hubofhope.co.uk/⁠Alfie’s Squad is a service for children bereaved by suicide: ⁠https://alfiessquad.org/⁠Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide: ⁠https://amparo.org.uk/⁠ CreditsSeries conceived by Prof Pooja Saini at Liverpool John Moores UniversityProduced and distributed by Innobella MediaHosted by Gemma Cutting Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson
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    20 m
  • S1 Ep02 - Post Vention: Supporting Those Bereaved by Suicide
    Mar 24 2025
    In this episode of Let's Talk Hope, host Gemma Cutting and Professor Pooja Saini engage in a profound discussion about suicide post-vention, featuring personal stories from individuals who have been bereaved by suicide. The conversation highlights the importance of peer support, breaking the stigma surrounding suicide, and the need for education in schools to prevent future tragedies. The episode also explores the ongoing advocacy work of the guests and the significance of community support in healing and prevention efforts.TakeawaysThe stigma surrounding suicide can lead to isolation for those bereaved.Peer support is crucial for healing after a suicide loss.Education on suicide prevention should be integrated into school curriculums.Postvention is an essential part of suicide prevention efforts.Conversations about suicide need to be normalized to reduce stigma.Community support plays a vital role in helping bereaved individuals.Personal stories can inspire hope and encourage others to seek help.Advocacy work can lead to significant changes in suicide prevention policies.Children need safe spaces to discuss their feelings about bereavement.The link between postvention and prevention is critical for effective support.Sound Bites"It's far worse than that.""We need to talk about suicide prevention.""It's a different kind of bereavement.""Postvention is part of prevention.""Peer support is a major part of that."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Let's Talk Hope01:30 Understanding Suicide Post-Vention02:26 Personal Stories of Bereavement08:06 The Importance of Peer Support12:28 Breaking the Stigma of Suicide14:06 The Role of Education in Prevention18:05 Angela's Journey and Advocacy25:14 Future Directions in Suicide Prevention TrainingMore Information / Help & SupportFor more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support:Papyrus provides confidential support and advice to young people (under 25 years of age)struggling with thoughts of suicide: ⁠https://www.papyrus-uk.org/⁠Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needssomeone: ⁠https://www.samaritans.org/⁠Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service foranyone who is struggling to cope: ⁠https://giveusashout.org/⁠Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/⁠James’ Place is a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at three centresin Liverpool, London and Newcastle: ⁠https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/⁠Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database: ⁠https://hubofhope.co.uk/⁠Alfie’s Squad is a service for children bereaved by suicide: ⁠https://alfiessquad.org/⁠Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide: ⁠https://amparo.org.uk/⁠ CreditsSeries conceived by Prof Pooja Saini at Liverpool John Moores UniversityProduced and distributed by Innobella MediaHosted by Gemma Cutting Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson
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    28 m
  • S1 Ep07 - Barbers & Suicide Prevention
    Mar 24 2025
    This episode of Let's Talk Hope focuses on the innovative role of barbers in suicide prevention. Host Gemma Cutting, alongside Professor Pooja Saini, engages with barbers Tom, Graham and Charlotte, who share their experiences and the importance of training barbers to recognize and address mental health issues. The conversation highlights personal stories, the structure of the training and the broader implications of barbershop conversations in community mental health support.TakeawaysThe stigma around suicide can be reduced through open conversations.Barbers and hairdressers have a unique relationship with clients that fosters trust.Training barbers in mental health can empower them to help clients in need.Personal experiences often drive individuals to engage in suicide prevention efforts.The training focuses on recognizing signs of distress and how to ask the right questions.Listening without judgment is crucial in mental health conversations.Barbers can play a significant role in community mental health support.The impact of barbershop conversations can be life-saving.Research is needed to validate the effectiveness of this training.The hair and beauty industry has a vital role in mental health awareness.Sound Bites"We need to listen and respond well.""It's okay to talk to me.""We can make a huge difference.""It's not just a client, it's a friendship.""If we save one life, it's all worthwhile."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Suicide Prevention and Community Engagement01:30 The Role of Barbers in Mental Health Conversations02:56 Personal Stories and Motivations Behind the Training07:12 Training Structure and Its Importance12:39 The Impact of Training on Barbers and Clients20:11 Research and Future Directions in Suicide Prevention24:36 The Broader Impact of Barbershop ConversationsMore Information / Help & SupportFor more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support:Papyrus provides confidential support and advice to young people (under 25 years of age)struggling with thoughts of suicide: ⁠https://www.papyrus-uk.org/⁠Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needssomeone: ⁠https://www.samaritans.org/⁠Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service foranyone who is struggling to cope: ⁠https://giveusashout.org/⁠Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/⁠James’ Place is a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at three centresin Liverpool, London and Newcastle: ⁠https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/⁠Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database: ⁠https://hubofhope.co.uk/⁠Alfie’s Squad is a service for children bereaved by suicide: ⁠https://alfiessquad.org/⁠Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide: ⁠https://amparo.org.uk/⁠ CreditsSeries conceived by Prof Pooja Saini at Liverpool John Moores UniversityProduced and distributed by Innobella MediaHosted by Gemma Cutting Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-PowellMusic Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson
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    29 m