My guest this week is Matt Haig, author of bestselling books Reasons To Stay Alive, How To Stop Time, and Notes On A Nervous Planet - which is one of my top most favourite books which sits firmly on my bedside table. His new book, The Midnight Library, is out now and is a number one Sunday Times Bestseller, was an instant New York Times bestseller, and was a BBC Two Between The Covers book club pick.

I've followed Matt and his work for some time and wanted to ask him to come on the podcast for ages, but felt nervous to reach out (the fear!) Eventually I did ask him and I was very happy when he said yes. We talk about men and mental health, the fear of losing the ones we love, addiction, uncertainty, acceptance AND one of my favourite things to talk about.... looking up at the stars and the sky.

At the beginning of this ep I talk about the charity James Place. This charity exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50. The first James’ Place opened two years ago in Liverpool, the first of its kind in the UK, and has supported more than 400 men experiencing suicidal crisis, delivered by trained therapists. A new James’ Place will open in London in early 2021.

The charity was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley, my in-laws, after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts, but didn’t find it.  

A new James Place will open in London in early 2021. You can find out more at Jamesplace.org.uk 

** This episode was recorded remotely via Zoom **

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