S2 E5: Let's talk about suicide prevention

What is the Mental Health Foundation Podcast? This is the Mental Health Foundation podcast. A series in which we bring to you a range of mental health topics, real life stories, expert comments and mental health tips. 

Bethan Buswell is your producer and host. She has her own lived experience of mental health problems and with this podcast she and the Mental Health Foundation want to raise awareness, get people talking and provide support and hope.

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***Trigger warning: this episode discusses suicide** 

What is this episode about? Bethan begins the episode by speaking to Byron Vincent, a writer, broadcaster and performance artist. Byron has lived experience of bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. He shares stories about growing up in poverty, experiencing addiction, violence and attempting to take his own life. Bethan then speaks to Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation. Mark speaks to Bethan about losing his brother to suicide, and how this loss fueled a career change that focused on fighting for good mental health for all and suicide prevention. The podcast ends with Bethan and Linda Liao, Digital Manager at the Mental Health Foundation discussing how suicide prevention is something we can all individually help with and how a short conversation with another person can sometimes make the difference between life and death for them. 

Who’s on the show today?
Bethan Buswell: Producer and host, Digital Engagement Officer at the Mental Health Foudation 
Byron Vincent: Guest, writer, broadcaster and performance artist 
Website: https://www.byronvincent.com/ Instagram:  
Mark Rowland: Guest, Chief Executive, Mental Health Foundation 
Bio: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/about-us/people/mark-rowland Twitter: https://twitter.com/markrowland77?lang=en 
Linda Liao: Guest, Digital Manager, Mental Health Foundation

Podcast episode links: 
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-schools-make-it-count https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/world-mental-health-day https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/p/prevention-and-mental-health https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/blog/70-years-embracing-challenge-prevention-mental-health 
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/suicide-prevention-wait https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/gettinghelp 
Find out more about the Mental Health Foundation:
Website: mentalhealth.org.uk
Instagram: instagram.com/mentalhealthfoundation
Facebook: facebook.com/mentalhealthfoundation
Twitter: twitter.com/mentalhealth

Find out more about the Mental Health Foundation:
Website: mentalhealth.org.uk
Twitter: @mentalhealth
Facebook: @mentalhealthfoundation
Instagram: @mentalhealthfoundation

Get in touch with us: online@mentalhealth.org.uk

**Remember to rate, like, review and subscribe**

Helplines:
If you are feeling like ending your life, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress.

If you need someone to talk to then Samaritans are available on 116 123 (UK) for free, 24/7. They are there to talk to and listen.