Let’s Talk Hope: Ending the Stigma around Suicide

In this episode of Let's Talk Hope, Pooja speaks with Anna Bignell, a widow who lost her husband to suicide and is now raising their twin daughters. Anna shares her journey through grief, the challenges of parenting after such a loss, and the importance of creating safe spaces for her children to express their feelings. She discusses the significance of community support, the resources availab...

In this episode of Let's Talk Hope , Jill Love shares her experience as a child carer for her mother, who struggled with mental health issues after the death of Jill's father. The conversation explores the challenges faced by child carers, the lack of support systems, and the importance of community services. Jill emphasises the need for training in the beauty industry to recognize and address men...

This episode of Let's Talk Hope discusses the critical issue of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their long-term impacts on mental health. The conversation highlights the importance of bridging research with real-world practice to ensure that findings lead to tangible improvements in support and prevention. Experts Sara Quick and Helen Mulholland share insights on the significance of colle...

In this episode of Let's Talk Hope , Pooja speaks with Claire Laroc, a senior suicide prevention therapist, and Trish, a mother of a young man who utilised the service at James’ Place. The conversation delves into the critical issues surrounding mental health support for young people, particularly those aged 16 to 17, and the challenges faced by parents navigating the mental health system. The...

This episode of Let's Talk Hope delves into the challenges faced by parents of children with neurodiversity and mental health issues. It highlights the importance of support groups, the emotional toll on parents, and the need for timely access to resources and training. The conversation emphasises the isolation many parents feel and the critical need for understanding and support from both pee...

In this episode of Let's Talk Hope , Professor Saini discusses the critical topic of suicide prevention in schools with experts Kate Henderson, Emma Ashworth and Joanna Johnson. They explore the MAPSS trial, the Breaking the Silence workshops, and the importance of equipping teachers and young people with the skills to address mental health issues. The conversation emphasizes the need for evidence...

In this episode of Let's Talk Hope , Pooja speaks with Fiona Wells from Patch about the often-overlooked topic of looked-after children and their mental health, particularly in relation to suicide prevention. Fiona shares her personal experiences as an adopted child and a social worker, discussing the complexities of identity, trauma, and the challenges faced by adoptive parents. The conversation...

In this episode of Let's Talk Hope, Professor Pooja Saini engages with Alfie and James from Alfie Squad, an organization dedicated to supporting children and families affected by suicide. They share their personal experiences with loss, the importance of peer support, and the need for early intervention. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by those bereaved by suicide, the...

Welcome to Let's Talk Hope: Giving a Voice to the Unheard . Following the success of its first series, Let's Talk Hope returns on 9th February 2026 exploring some of the most pressing and under-discussed issues in suicide prevention. We'll be hearing from young people and hearing about their experiences of using services. This series continues to blend lived experience with professiona...

In this episode of Let's Talk Hope , host Gemma Cutting and Professor Pooja Saini discuss the generational cycle of suicide with guests Ellie Parmakas and Jasmine Humphries from Epic Hope. They explore the importance of community support, lived experience in suicide prevention, and the role of media in raising awareness. The conversation highlights the need for alternative crisis intervention...

This episode of Let's Talk Hope focuses on suicide prevention, featuring a diverse range of guests who share their experiences and insights. The conversation highlights the importance of community-based initiatives, the role of data in understanding suicide, and the need for collaboration between different services. The guests emphasize the significance of storytelling in raising awareness and...

This episode of Let's Talk Hope delves into the critical intersection of menopause, mental health, and suicide prevention. Hosted by Gemma Cutting, it features discussions with MP Carolyn Harris and Dr. Louise Newson, who share personal experiences and insights on the stigma surrounding menopause, the importance of advocacy, and the urgent need for awareness and research in this area. The conv...

In this episode of Let's Talk Hope , host Gemma Cutting and guests Jane Boland and Rob Glover discuss with Prof. Pooja Saini the importance of addressing suicide and mental health openly. They explore the pressures faced by public figures, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the need for community conversations to support those in crisis. The episode emphasizes that anyone can be affecte...

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 awarenes...

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 epi...

This episode of Let's Talk Hope focuses on the innovative role of barbers in suicide prevention. Host Gemma Cutting, alongside Professor Pooja Saini, engages with barbers Tom, Graham and Charlotte, who share their experiences and the importance of training barbers to recognize and address mental health issues. The conversation highlights personal stories, the structure of the training and the...