22 shorts aimed at suicide prevention

Comedians have discussed mental health for a new series of 22 short features to air on digital radio station Union Jack.
 
The Minds Over Matter footage will be broadcast all week to mark World Mental Health Day on Thursday, and features live comedy and musical performances plus conversations with performers about their personal experiences. 

Comics interviewed by broadcaster Rhianna Dillon include Pierre Novellie, Robin Ince and Jordan Brooke
 
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day, as endorsed by the World Health Organisation, is suicide prevention.

Giles Gear, programme manager for Union Jack radio, said: 'Many of Union JACK’s listeners are men aged 45 plus [so] we hope to do our bit of raising awareness of male suicide.'

The shorts are being made by Whistledown Productions, whose managing director David Prest said: 'We felt it was important to hear the lived experiences of people who’ve suffered with mental health issues. 

'The musicians, comedians and many others we’ve spoken to for this project have gone through some pretty dark times, but there’s genuine inspiration to be drawn from the way they’ve faced up to their demons, and how they continue to deal with their condition on a daily basis.'

Published: 7 Oct 2019