6 episodes
The Blue Bench Mental Health Podcast Jane Upson | Jacqui Kerr | Wendy Walker | Neil Long
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- Health & Fitness
Suicide is a problem. A big problem. Many, many people have mental health challenges, and we want to help.Borne out of tragedy, the idea of the Daffodil Walk in Merton, SW London and the Blue Bench is an innovative idea conceived by local people, for local people.We want this to be a haven, a hub - a safe space for anyone who has been affected by mental illness.On the blue bench is a QR code that can be scanned, and people can access our series of podcasts; Real stories from real people. There is a list of helpful resources and a weatherproof box underneath the bench containing useful leaflets to take away and keep.We want you to know, that no matter what, there is hope. Sometimes in the most unexpected ways- I mean daffodils and a talking bench is not a bad start is it!
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S1 E6- Cllr Peter McCabe
Peter believes that we all at the very least know someone who has been indirectly or directly affected by suicide- he shares candidly his own experience here.He also talks about the ongoing charity and prevention initiatives he is involved in. If you have been affected by anything you heard on this podcast, CLICK HERE for a list of helpful resources.
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S1 E5 Will Hay
We talk with Will Hay discussing an early onset of a kind of epilepsy "Complex Partial Seizures" and what would be called autism today.He discusses his brain surgery, removing a part the size of a golf ball (!) , but that improved his cognitive function dramatically.We discuss suicide prevention, and how it has happened in other cases who were similar to Will, and his reliance on and support of his family.We talk about the necessity of reaching out and talking, and how the "tough guy" attitud...
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S1 E4- Harry Biggs Davidson - My Story
Meet Harry Biggs Davidson, who tragically lost his own son to suicide in 2015.It obviously affects everyone in the close family, indeed anyone who knew that person - here we talk to Harry and we find out how he has moved on with his life.He is Chair of the charity Papyrus who support, equip and influence individuals, groups and communities to prevent suicide in young people.Listen to his fascinating testimony here. If you have been affected by anything you heard on this podcast, CLICK HERE fo...
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S1 E3- Matt Johnson - Prevention on the Frontline
Meet Matt Johnson , a former police officer, who has years of uniform and plain clothes policing.From time to time he was actively involved in stopping someone committing suicide."People don't really want to die, they just want the pain to stop"Listen to his fascinating and useful perspective here. If you have been affected by anything you heard on this podcast, CLICK HERE for a list of helpful resources.
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S1 E2- Marina - My Journey.
In this episode we follow the story of Marina who has faced more challenges than most of us will face in a lifetime.She is a testament to the power of resilience, through all the ups and downs she has experienced.And spoiler alert, there is a happy ending.There is always hope. However small. If you have been affected by anything you heard on this podcast, CLICK HERE for a list of helpful resources.
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S1 E1 Wendy and Jane - The Founders
Welcome to the Blue Bench mental health podcast.This episode is very close to the heart of the interviewees indeed to anyone that has been affected by suicide.Wendy tragically lost her son to suicide- if you too have been affected sometimes it is comforting to know you are not alone - it is the nature of situations like this to feel very alone, but the truth is you are not.Listen to their journey, and the quiet determination that this loss will not be in vain, and that something positiv...