News M-RIC joins forces with national campaign to shift the conversation around suicide
The Mental Health Research for Innovation Centre (M-RIC) has joined forces with a national campaign aimed at transforming how suicide is understood and addressed across the UK. M-RIC recently participated in a high-profile research event in Liverpool, led by Professor Pooja Saini of Liverpool John Moores University’s Suicide and Self-Harm Research Group.
Professor Saini, who has recently been appointed Honorary Suicide Prevention Research Lead at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, will lead suicide prevention research for M-RIC as part of our population mental health work package. Her work comes at a critical time – on average, 115 people die by suicide every week in the UK, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death among those under 35.
Held on 5 June in Liverpool City Centre, the event brought together key stakeholders in suicide prevention, including national campaign partners Grassroots Suicide Prevention. Attendees included Ian Byrne MP and Mike Palmer, campaigner and member of the ‘Three Dads Walking‘ initiative.
Professor Pooja Saini
Professor Pooja Saini said:
“We’re looking forward to working with M-RIC and the NHS and local authorities on prevention and early intervention to reduce suicide rates, improve support for people who have self-harmed and improve support for people bereaved by suicide.”
Oladayo Bifarin, Research Effectiveness Lead for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust also attended the event. He added:
“The Mental Health Research for Innovation Centre (M-RIC) and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust are committed to advancing impactful research around suicide pre and postvention. As part of this, we recognise the critical work of Professor Pooja Saini in suicide prevention. It was great to be at the research suicide partnership event to hear about the contributions from the third sector, highlighting the need for a joined-up approach with NHS organisations. Her dedication and the insights shared during the event are essential in bridging the gap and shaping effective strategies.”
The collaboration follows the recent launch of a new podcast series hosted by Gemma Cutting and Professor Saini, featuring stories, expert insights and practical solutions to break the stigma surrounding suicide.
The podcast, Let’s Talk Hope: Ending the Stigma around Suicide features in-depth, thoughtful conversations with a diverse range of experts, individuals with lived experience and dedicated professionals within the mental health sector.
Pooja said: “I wanted to create this series to showcase voices of lived experience and those working tirelessly to make a difference. Through this podcast, we hope to reach a wider audience and inspire meaningful, lasting change.”