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.
Takeaways
The 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."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Let's Talk Hope
01:30 Understanding Suicide Post-Vention
02:26 Personal Stories of Bereavement
08:06 The Importance of Peer Support
12:28 Breaking the Stigma of Suicide
14:06 The Role of Education in Prevention
18:05 Angela's Journey and Advocacy
25:14 Future Directions in Suicide Prevention Training
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:
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 needs
someone: https://www.samaritans.org/
Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for
anyone 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 centres
in 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/
Credits
Series conceived by Prof Pooja Saini at Liverpool John Moores University
Produced and distributed by Innobella Media
Hosted by Gemma Cutting
Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell
Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson