TACKLING the stigma around suicide is no easy feat but one local podcast host is determined to try.
‘Suicide Sucks!’ is a new podcast by Penistone-based Mick Rowe and is intended give people the opportunity to freely discuss suicide, which she fears has become a ‘dirty word’.
In the show she invites guests to an unusual office within her camper van to discuss their personal experiences with suicide.
Mick told the Chronicle: “I lost my brother to suicide back in 1996.
“For many years I wanted to do something to raise money and help - the thing is I’m not the kind of person to go on a long walk or run or something.
“I made a documentary with the same name last year and thought that there was a chance to take it further.”
The documentary - which shared the journeys of four locals and their own experiences when dealing with suicide - was screened at Penistone Arts Week and managed to raise £500 for the young people’s suicide prevention charity, Papyrus.
“When I was making the documentary lots of people told me they were interested in getting involved,” Mick added.
“But I think something about the visual element made them feel exposed and uncomfortable - without that side of it people are much more open.
“We have tears every episode, but I think that’s quite cathartic and even if it only helps the person I’m talking to then it’s worthwhile.”
