Ben McGrail: Why is it so hard to talk about suicide?

In 2015, presenter Ben McGrail released a two-hour radio programme ‘Why is it so hard to talk about suicide?’ on BBC Radio Somerset. Ben spoke to local people whose lives had been affected by suicide, including family and friends of people who had taken their own lives.

Ben’s sensitive and thoughtful presenting style helped people to start a conversation about suicide in Somerset. His programme received an overwhelmingly positive response from its listeners, highlighting the need to challenge the stigma attached to suicide and what we should do to continue having those difficult conversations.

Ben shares his thoughts

Ben spoke to us about the programme, and how winning a Mind Media Award made an impact on his career.

“Ben’s sensitivity, his compassionate approach to those family members who’d been bereaved by suicide, but also with people who’d experienced suicidal thoughts themselves, throughout the programme, just really impressed us.”

James shares his thoughts

James has helped to shortlist our Media Awards for a number of years. We asked him to share his thoughts on why Ben’s programme was worthy of recognition.