Series 3 of Let’s Talk Hope continues the mission of tackling the stigma around suicide by amplifying the voices, experiences and needs of vulnerable communities.
Hosted by Professor Pooja Saini, Head of the Suicide and Self-Harm Research Group at Liverpool John Moores University, this series brings together honest conversations, lived experience and expert insight to explore suicide prevention through the lens of South Asian communities.
Across five powerful episodes, Pooja speaks with guests about some of the complex issues that can affect mental health, identity, belonging and suicide risk. The series explores chronic health conditions, infertility, endometriosis, trauma, PTSD, hormones, PMDD, menopause, women’s health, neurodivergence, autism, sport, football, masculinity, cultural expectations, family pressure, honour-based abuse, domestic abuse, harmful practices, shame, stigma, community support and the importance of open conversations.
Each episode looks beyond statistics and clinical language to focus on real people, real families and real communities. These conversations ask what support can look like when someone feels isolated, misunderstood, dismissed or unable to speak openly about what they are going through.
Series 3 features conversations with Riteesh Mishra on suicide prevention in sport and women’s football, Anita Guru on chronic health conditions, infertility and mental health, Dr Milli Raizada on hormones and mental health, Aaran Vijayakumaran on neurodiversity and suicidality, and Afrah Qassim from Savera UK on honour-based abuse and suicide risk.
Through these discussions, Let’s Talk Hope continues to challenge silence, reduce stigma and remind listeners that suicide prevention is not only a healthcare issue; it is also a community issue. It is about listening, noticing, understanding, asking better questions and helping people feel that they are not alone.
If this is your first time listening to Let’s Talk Hope, you can also go back and hear Series 1 and Series 2, which continue these important conversations around suicide prevention, lived experience, research, family support, mental health and hope.
Let’s Talk Hope is produced by Innobella Media, a Liverpool-based production company specialising in podcast production, video production, live streaming and event filming. Innobella Media supports organisations, charities, universities and businesses to record, produce and share meaningful stories with professional audio, video and post-production.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this series, please refer to the help and support resources listed in the episode show notes for details of organisations that can provide support.
More Information / Help & Support
For 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:
BBC Action Line: https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/
Papyrus: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/
Shout: https://giveusashout.org/
Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/
James’ Place: https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
Hub of Hope: https://hubofhope.co.uk/
Alfie’s Squad: https://alfiessquad.org/
Amparo: https://amparo.org.uk/
WAY Widowed & Young: https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/
The Martin Gallier Project: https://www.themartingallierproject.org
Credits
Series conceived & hosted by Prof Pooja Saini at Liverpool John Moores University
Produced and distributed by Innobella Media
Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell
Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson
