Scotland's biggest ever conversation about suicide

What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?

Suicide is a topic that makes many of us nervous; it can feel like the hardest thing in the world.

What if I say the wrong thing? Could I make the situation worse? Maybe I’m worrying over nothing and would look foolish to bring it up?

But here’s something lots of people don’t realise.

Talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it from happening.

And so we want to help normalise the idea of talking about suicide by giving people the confidence to do so.

This is Scotland's biggest ever conversation about suicide - join us.

Welcome to the What if Podcast
Our new podcast is presented by TV & radio star Amy Irons. Her partner Wayne died by suicide in 2018.

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, she 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. Here we go...

Episode 01 | What if we need to talk about suicide?
This episode introduces suicide, what it is, why it happens and what we can do about it.

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.

Episode 02 | What if a dog could save your life?
No, this isn't actually an episode about pets (we do love them though) but about how you find hope when it feels like all is lost.

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.

Episode 03 | What if society actually worked for people?
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.

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.

Episode 04 | What if I feel I don't fit in?
Our final episode focuses on the impact of suicide for people in marginalised communities.

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.