Suicide Prevention Scotland

Suicide Prevention Scotland

We know that talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it. On our Suicide Prevention Scotland podcast channels you’ll find different series that explore a range of themes that underpin our work.

  1. 10/10/2025

    You First ~ Episode 03, The important role of line managers and organisations

    Welcome to the You First podcast series from Public Health Scotland and Suicide Prevention Scotland. This limited edition four part series focuses on wellbeing for people working in stressful and emotionally demanding roles. In this third episode we explore how line managers and organisations can better support staff. Our host Janet Watson, meets with Satinder Panesar and former GP Dr Rebecca Williams who share thoughts about the ways in which managers and organisations can support employee wellbeing. Key links for this episode: Janet Watson: janetwatsoncounselling.co.uk Memoir link: route-online.com/all-books/nothing-ever-happens-in-wentbridge Satinder Panesar: satinderpanesar.com Linked In : https://www.linkedin.com/in/satinder-panesar-mbacp-accred-ukrcp-registered-546b7a1b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Dr Rebecca Williams: https://williamsstressmanagement.co.uk/ Paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dealing-Stress-Mind-Body-Spirit/dp/1497493668 Audiobook: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Dealing-with-Stress-Audiobook/B0DWZ4KQ2Y   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.

    27 min
  2. 10/10/2025

    You First ~ Episode 01, The impact of emotionally demanding work

    Welcome to the You First podcast series from Public Health Scotland and Suicide Prevention Scotland. This limited edition four part series focuses on wellbeing for people working in stressful and emotionally demanding roles. In this first episode we explore the impact that these types of roles can have, and touch on things like burnout and vicarious trauma. Our host Janet Watson, meets with Andy Hardie from Lifelink and Susie Heywood from Public Health Scotland who share some of their experiences. Key Links for this episode: Janet Watson janetwatsoncounselling.co.uk Memoir link route-online.com/all-books/nothing-ever-happens-in-wentbridge Andy Hardie: linkedin.com/in/andyhardie101 Lifelink (lifelink.org.uk) is a charity and social enterprise that has been delivering mental health and wellbeing services for over 30 years. This includes public sector commissioned services for adults and young people such as counselling, therapy and psychoeducation groupwork in community, health, education and prison settings. Lifelink Workwell (lifelinkworkwell.org.uk), focusses on delivering tailored workplace wellbeing solutions and therapeutic interventions within businesses and organisations. Susie Heywood: linkedin.com/in/susie-heywood-mph-bd-53b7ba20 Public Health Scotland: Public Health Scotland Suicide Prevention Scotland: suicideprevention.scot   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.

    32 min
  3. What if Podcast with Amy Irons ~ What if you feel you don't fit in? (episode 04)

    10/01/2025

    What if Podcast with Amy Irons ~ What if you feel you don't fit in? (episode 04)

    In our final episode of the season, we focus on the impact of suicide for people in marginalised communities. Presenter Amy Irons is joined by: Mo Mansaray Mo was a victim in the 2020 attack on people living in a hotel used by asylum seekers in Glasgow. He went on to join the Men Minds project. Rebecca Don Kennedy Rebecca is the CEO of the charity Equality Network, and Scottish Trans, sharing her deep understanding of marginalised communities. Jamie MacLean Mentor Scotland founder, Jamie used recreational drugs to cope as he struggled with the effects of trauma. As an adult he finally received an ADHD diagnosis. ======= 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.

    38 min
  4. What if Podcast with Amy Irons ~ What if society actually worked for people? (episode 03)

    09/24/2025

    What if Podcast with Amy Irons ~ What if society actually worked for people? (episode 03)

    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. ======= 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.

    38 min
  5. What if Podcast with Amy Irons ~ What if a dog could save your life? (episode 02)

    09/17/2025

    What if Podcast with Amy Irons ~ What if a dog could save your life? (episode 02)

    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 Boyd Kris 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 Rooney A former mental health nurse, Brendan is the Executive Director of Healthy ‘N’ Happy, a South Lanarkshire charity using placed-based action to prevent suicide. - ======= 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.

    37 min
  6. What if Podcast with Amy Irons ~ What if we need to talk about suicide? (episode 01)

    09/10/2025

    What if Podcast with Amy Irons ~ What if we need to talk about suicide? (episode 01)

    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 Dakhill Natalie 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. ======= 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.

    41 min

About

We know that talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it. On our Suicide Prevention Scotland podcast channels you’ll find different series that explore a range of themes that underpin our work.