Warning: This podcast episode contains discussions about suicide, which may be distressing  to some individuals. We encourage listener discretion and self-care. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, please seek help immediately. Below are links to organisations in the UK and Wales that can provide support and assistance:

1. Samaritans: The Samaritans offer 24/7 emotional support to anyone in distress, including those feeling suicidal. You can call their helpline at 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (Wales) or visit their website: https://www.samaritans.org/

2. Mind: Mind is a mental health charity providing advice and support for anyone experiencing mental health problems. They have a helpline, local branches, and a wide range of resources available. Visit their website: https://www.mind.org.uk/

3. PAPYRUS: PAPYRUS is a national charity dedicated to preventing young suicide. They provide confidential support and advice to young people and anyone concerned about a young person. Call their helpline HOPELineUK at 0800 068 4141 or visit their website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

4. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): CALM is a leading movement against suicide, providing support for men in the UK. They offer a helpline and webchat service for anyone feeling down or in crisis. Visit their website: https://www.thecalmzone.net/

5. Welsh Mental Health Helpline: The Welsh Mental Health Helpline provides confidential support and information to anyone experiencing mental health problems or emotional distress in Wales. Call them at 0800 132 737 or visit their website: https://www.callhelpline.org.uk/

In this episode, Professor of Health Data Science, Ann John and host Dr Sam Blaxland explore suicide and self-harm prevention and how anonymised data can help to design interventions and develop policies to help inform and train professionals in contact with those who are at risk of suicide.One of the biggest myths about suicide is that it’s inevitable, however suicide is eminently preventable. Over the last ten years, the rate of suicide in children and young people has been increasing. Research suggests for every death through suicide almost 135 lives can be affected. 

Professor John’s research looks at anonymised data linking across sectors from school attendance and absences, examination attainment and medical appointments with the GP or in hospitals to social media, Google analytics and media reporting. Whilst this data is never linked to a named individual the patterns of behaviours of a number of individuals can build a picture of how interventions can be designed, protocols put in place and policies developed to help inform and train professionals in contact with those who self-harm or are at risk of suicide.