World Mental Health Day Special: The Ripple Effect of Suicide
- S2E4
- 12:14
- October 8th 2025
In this special Voices of One Fylde episode for World Mental Health Day, Marilyn and Rebecca talk to Samantha Southern, manager of Solace, part of the charity Empowerment in Blackpool.
Samantha shares her personal story of loss and how it led her to create spaces of hope and understanding for others affected by suicide. She explains the ripple effect of suicide — how one loss can impact whole families, friends, workplaces, and communities — and why early, compassionate support is vital.
The conversation explores how Solace provides bereavement and prevention support across the Fylde Coast, its work towards a gold-standard bereavement pathway, and the community legacy of the Baton of Hope tour that began in Blackpool.
Samantha’s honesty and strength remind us that healing is possible, and that no one should face these challenges alone.
If today’s conversation touches you, please reach out to someone you trust — a friend, family member, or carer — or contact Samaritans anytime.
https://empowermentcharity.org.uk/
Solace-Telephone: 0300 32 32 100
Email: [email protected]
The Samaritans Whatever you're going through, call us free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.
Voices of One Fylde
Welcome to Voices of One Fylde, a compelling podcast series produced by the One Fylde community. This podcast offers a platform for open dialogue, personal stories, and insightful discussions centred around the One Fylde charity and the unique experiences of individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
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