Suicide Prevention Scotland

In this episode, we're exploring systems and society, with an aim of thinking about what we can do to make people's lives better - and in doing so reduce suicide.
Presenter Amy Irons is joined by:
Lorraine McGrath The CEO of Scotland’s largest homeless services charity, Simon Community Scotland, Lorraine brought a unique insight into social determinants.
Paul Stevenson Paul is a mental health advocate. He received a late stage diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, OCD, ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder.
Martin Melly Martin is Operations Manager at Men Matter Scotland, a Glasgow charity that supports over 500 men each week with their mental - and physical - health.
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Amy Irons knows what it's like to lose someone you love to suicide.
That's why she agreed to join Suicide Prevention Scotland to present our brand new What if Podcast.
Over four compelling episodes, Amy will meet a range of brilliant guests who will share their experience and insight.
In doing so, you'll gain a deeper understanding of suicide - why it happens, and what we can do about it.
Each episode covers a different theme, with Amy gently guiding you through these important conversations.
You will appreciate that we're going to cover some difficult topics, so please remember support is available if you need it.
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Our podcast channel features content from across our programmes of work.
Some viewers may find content on distressing.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
Samaritans 116 123 or use the online chat at samaritans.org
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
NHS 24 mental health hub on 111
If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.

No, this isn't actually an episode about pets (we do love them though) but in episode 02, we talk about how you find hope when it feels like all is lost.
Presenter Amy Irons is joined by:
Kris BoydKris Boyd The former Scotland forward may have been known as a 300 goal striker, but in 2016 he lost brother Scott to suicide. Kris later set up the Kris Boyd Charity.
Lisa Marshall A TikToker, Lisa posts about life as a mum of three children following the loss of her husband Alan by suicide in 2023. Alan’s favourite player was...Kris Boyd.
Brendan RooneyA former mental health nurse, Brendan is the Executive Director of Healthy ‘N’ Happy, a South Lanarkshire charity using placed-based action to prevent suicide. -
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Amy Irons knows what it's like to lose someone you love to suicide.
That's why she agreed to join Suicide Prevention Scotland to present our brand new What if Podcast.
Over four compelling episodes, Amy will meet a range of brilliant guests who will share their experience and insight.
In doing so, you'll gain a deeper understanding of suicide - why it happens, and what we can do about it.
Each episode covers a different theme, with Amy gently guiding you through these important conversations.
You will appreciate that we're going to cover some difficult topics, so please remember support is available if you need it.
======
Our podcast channel features content from across our programmes of work.
Some viewers may find content on distressing.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
Samaritans 116 123 or use the online chat at samaritans.org
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
NHS 24 mental health hub on 111
If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.

In episode 01 we introduce suicide, what it is, why it happens and what we can do about it.
Presenter Amy Irons is joined by:
John Gibson Along with wife Isobel, John set up the Canmore Trust following the death by suicide of their beloved son Cammy. John would go on to have suicidal thoughts.
Rory O'Connor Rory is Professor of Health Psychology at University of Glasgow and author of When It Is Darkest: Why People Die by Suicide and What We Can Do to Prevent It. Natalie DakhillNatalie founded A Place Called Here, a support group for people bereaved by suicide. This followed the loss of her dad Michael to suicide in 2024.
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Amy Irons knows what it's like to lose someone you love to suicide.
That's why she agreed to join Suicide Prevention Scotland to present our brand new What if Podcast.
Over four compelling episodes, Amy will meet a range of brilliant guests who will share their experience and insight.
In doing so, you'll gain a deeper understanding of suicide - why it happens, and what we can do about it.
Each episode covers a different theme, with Amy gently guiding you through these important conversations.
You will appreciate that we're going to cover some difficult topics, so please remember support is available if you need it.
======
Our podcast channel features content from across our programmes of work.
Some viewers may find content on distressing.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
Samaritans 116 123 or use the online chat at samaritans.org
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
NHS 24 mental health hub on 111
If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.

Amy knows what it's like to lose someone you love to suicide.
That's why she agreed to join Suicide Prevention Scotland to present our brand new What if Podcast.
Over four compelling episodes, Amy will meet a range of brilliant guests who will share their experience and insight.
In doing so, you'll gain a deeper understanding of suicide - why it happens, and what we can do about it.
Each episode covers a different theme, with Amy gently guiding you through these important conversations.
Catch the first episode of the What if Podcast on Wednesday (10 September) at 12pm (UK time).
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Our podcast channel features content from across our programmes of work.
Some viewers may find content on this channel distressing.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
Samaritans 116 123 or use the online chat at samaritans.org
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
NHS 24 mental health hub on 111
If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.

Welcome to the Creating Hope podcast, powered by Public Health Scotland & Suicide Prevention Scotland.
In each episode of this limited edition series we’re exploring a key area of work within suicide prevention, and how this can be implemented locally.
In this third episode, we explore bereavement by suicide and reflect on ways that we can provide compassionate and person centred support to people bereaved and affected by suicide.
Our host, Susie Heywood (Suicide Prevention Implementation Support Lead, Public Health Scotland) is joined by Jonathan Ellenor (member of the Suicide Prevention Scotland Lived and Living Experience Panel), Trish Hafford Letchfield (Professor of Social Work at the University of Strathclyde), Lara Van de Peer (Service Manager for the Scottish Government funded Suicide Bereavement Support Service) and Nicola Reed (Director of Client Services at Cruse Scotland).
Key links for this episode:
Home - Suicide Prevention Scotland.
United to Prevent Suicide
Suicide Prevention Scotland Medium blog
NHS Inform - Surviving Suicidal Thoughts
Creating Hope Together - Scotland's Suicide Prevention Strategy
Creating Hope Together - Scotland's Suicide Prevention Action Plan
COSLA
Cruse Scotland
Suicide Bereavement Support Service: Final Evaluation Report
Penumbra
Navigating bereavement by suicide in later life: a qualitative analysis of health and social care professional perspectives - University of Strathclyde
 
Support is available:
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or feeling suicidal, please don’t hesitate to ask for help by contacting your GP, NHS24 on 111, Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 58 87.
 
Call 999 if you are in immediate danger, or have the means to cause yourself immediate harm, for example by serious injury or overdose.