**Trigger Warning  -  Please note that this post discusses topics around Suicide, self-harm, Mental Illness and grief. Please practice Self-Care when reading and if you or anyone you know is struggling or in need of support, please call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14.**

In this episode we speak with Celeste Cannell author of the newly released illustrated children’s book Emily and the VERY big Feeling. As well as being a friend of mine for over 12 years, Celeste is also a passionate Mental Health Advocate and R U OK? Community Ambassador. 

With a day job as a Mental Health Case Manager and a side hustle as a Children’s Author, celeste shares with us her heartwarming (and at times heartbreaking), motivation behind her debut book while also sharing with us her personal views on what we can do as parents and as community members, to help raise the emotional wellbeing of children and also protect children and adults alike from the risk of suicide. With her trademark open and authentic style, Celeste challenges us to rethink our use of the term “Mental Health” and shows us that what Mental Illness needs is far more open and heartfelt conversations. 

But how do we encourage people to talk about their VERY big feelings and how do we give children the tools and vocabulary and insight to know when and how to ask for help? At times funny, thought-provoking and painful, this edition is guaranteed to give you a big dose of the feels and also act as a call to arms in the ongoing war against suicide.

www.projectemily.com.au

Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back service 1300 659 467 - both 24/7

In todays episode of The People First Podcast -  I spend an hour chatting  with wonderful, Ash.

This is one journey you'll want to hear all about. 

Sit back relax and enjoy the ride. 

- Shane. 

Wow, what a story Chris has to share in relation to his work for Mama Lana - Community Foundation. 

Chris is an amazing, hard working husband, dad to two boys, a 3 time published author and a volunteer at Mama Lanas Kitchen. 

Wow, how does he find the time?? 

Once a week Chris will volunteer to hand out hot food to the homeless and less fortunate in our local area of Penrith.

We believe in kindness with no strings.

Wow. What a round 2!

Wow. What an hour.

Today, I got to sit down with Natasha and Jayden.

If you want to have a good laugh, you're in the right spot.

---

Natasha: https://www.instagram.com/natashavella13/

Jayden: https://www.instagram.com/jrod_hd/

--

My guest fell through this week, so I took the opportunity to chat about how I ended up leaving home at 15yrs old. 

I talk about the fear I had, the pressure and the kind hearts of many people who I spent time with who have become family. . 

It's a story to share for the sake of connection, not pity. 

All the events I speak about lead me to an amazing place in life and it's funny how without the "bad days" I wouldn't be here as a Dad, as a husband and as a business owner living my best life at 33. 

There were days I never even thought I would see my 30th birthday so i'm so excited to now love life wanting to make the 100 mark and beyond! 

It's important to remember that there are equal parts good and bad in life. The tough times don't last. 

They change. Life changes. We change. 

Please, sit back, relax and enjoy. 

Wow, everest, losing over 40kg, 2 kids, married for 30 years...

I cant wait for you to wrap your ears around this. 

Sit back, enjoy and dive right into this.