YOUR LIFE MATTERS

Rugby referee Nigel Owens and Emmerdale star Chris Bisson are among stars sharing their lives with you on Life Matters, a new podcast tackling the taboo issue of sucide.

Chris Bisson, Emmerdale

Life Matters has been launched by the charity Zero Suicide Alliance to help people talk more openly about suicide and its impact.

The first episodes look at a variety of high risk groups including young people, middle aged men, black and asian people and LGBTQI+ people.

Cellist Jay Emme opens up about how being a black woman throws up specific issues, while journalist and author Nichi Hodgson talks about the unique and hidden pressures on bisexual people. And there’s a fascinating insight on how metal music and dogs with personality can help break the ice around talking about suicide.

Jay Emme, Cellist

Stars hosting the show, and bringing their own individual stories are broadcaster and anthropologist Professor Alice Roberts and Talk Radio presenter and columnist Darryl Morrisale.

Darryl Morrisdale, Talk Radio

Producer Ashley Byrne said: “These strange times are putting pressure on everyone. Our stories tell it as it is. They’re candid accounts which don’t shy away from feelings and the failings of society in managing to recognise and help people sensitively and effectively who are living with the issue of suicide”.

The series can be downloaded from the Zero Suicide Alliance website (Zerosuicidealliance.com) and from all podcast platforms.

COULD YOU SAVE A LIFE?

Talking to someone about suicide isn’t easy, but it’s important. The Zero Suicide Alliiance easy to access online training course is free and takes just minutes. Join the 1.4 million people already trained to understand the signs someone might be contemplating taking their own life.

Go to: Zerosuicidealliance.com