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 services and the significance of breaking the cycle of suicide within families. The episode emphasizes hope, support, and the importance of managing suicidal feelings rather than simply recovering from them.

Takeaways

• The podcast aims to reduce the stigma around suicide.

• Ellie founded Epic Hope to address high suicide rates in her community.

• Jasmine's lived experience drives her passion for postvention work.

• Crisis harbors provide a non-clinical, supportive environment for those in crisis.

• Community support is crucial in suicide prevention efforts.

• Lived experience can enhance the effectiveness of support services.

• Media attention is increasing awareness about suicide prevention.

• Breaking the cycle of suicide is essential for future generations.

• Managing suicidal feelings is a lifelong process.

• Hope and support can lead to a fulfilling life despite struggles.

Sound Bites

• ”We need to help people who are suicidal.”

• ”We've saved 17 lives in January.”

• ”It's so important to break that cycle.”

• ”Life can be absolutely beautiful.”

• ”The work you're doing is amazing.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Let's Talk Hope

01:30 Breaking the Cycle of Suicide

02:34 Ellie's Journey and the Birth of Epic Hope

06:07 Jasmine's Experience and the Importance of Postvention

08:13 Crisis Intervention: A New Approach

12:56 The Role of Community Support

15:04 Lived Experience in Suicide Prevention

18:44 The Nature vs. Nurture Debate

20:01 Media's Role in Suicide Awareness

23:55 Managing Suicidal Feelings and Finding Hope

More Information / Help & Support

For more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support:

Papyrus provides confidential support and advice to young people (under 25 years of age)

struggling with thoughts of suicide: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs

someone: https://www.samaritans.org/

Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for

anyone who is struggling to cope: https://giveusashout.org/

Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.: https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/

James’ Place is a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at three centres

in Liverpool, London and Newcastle: https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/

Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database: https://hubofhope.co.uk/

Alfie’s Squad is a service for children bereaved by suicide: https://alfiessquad.org/

Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide: https://amparo.org.uk/

Credits

Series conceived by Prof Pooja Saini at Liverpool John Moores University

Produced and distributed by Innobella Media

Hosted by Gemma Cutting

Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell

Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson