S1 Ep05 - Suicide Survivors: Stories of Strength

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