TV star Amy to present suicide podcast

TV star Amy to present new suicide prevention podcast

DUMFRIES born TV and radio presenter Amy Irons is fronting the new Suicide Prevention Scotland podcast.

She has teamed up with the charity after losing her own partner, Wayne Ewer, to suicide in 2018.

Amy, who is a familiar face in Scottish broadcasting, will be joined by a stellar group of guests who also have a range of personal experiences

They include former Scotland striker Kris Boyd, TikTok influencer Lisa Marshall, world-leading expert Rory O’Connor, and Mo Mansaray who survived the Glasgow 2020 stabbing attack

The What if Podcast launched yesterday, on what was World Suicide Prevention Day. There will be four episodes, available on YouTube and on podcast platforms.

Suicide Prevention Scotland hope it will get people talking more about suicide, with the idea ‘What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?’

Amy said: “It’s been seven years since Wayne died by suicide. Yes, it still feels raw, but I’ve wanted to find a way that I could contribute to suicide prevention in Scotland.

“Being part of the What if Podcast has given me an opportunity to talk to some incredible people, including many like myself who have lost a loved one.

“There were tears, but also lots of smiles, too. Suicide might feel like the hardest thing in the world to talk about, but we hope people will see it’s a good thing to talk about.

“Research clearly shows that you will not cause someone harm by asking if they are thinking about suicide. On the contrary, asking the question may be the vital intervention someone needs. You can, quite literally, save a life.”

Minister for Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur has welcomed the series and said: “Our campaign and the podcast, show that through open conversations and compassionate listening, we can challenge the stigma surrounding suicide and explore new ways to support people affected.”