Podcast with Mick from Suicide Sucks
- Sally Panks
- Feb 22
- 3 min read
Listen now on spotify!
If you are raising children right now, this episode is one you cannot afford to skip.
In this deeply honest and emotional conversation, I sit down in the campervan with Sally, founder of S&L Self Harm Distraction Kits, to talk about what really happens when your child starts to struggle in ways you never saw coming.
From the shock of that first phone call from school, to navigating a system that feels overwhelmed and under resourced, to the fear, guilt and helplessness that so many parents carry in silence, this is a raw look at what it means to love a child through mental health crisis. But this is not just a story of darkness. It is a story of resilience, recovery and hope. Sally shares how her daughter is now two years free from self harm, and how that journey inspired her to create practical tools that are now supporting families, schools and young people across the UK and beyond.
We talk about the subtle signs parents might miss, why young people often shut down instead of opening up, and simple, powerful ways to communicate without confrontation, like quiet codes, emojis and creating safety without pressure.
We explore why self harm is not attention seeking, why parents are not failing, and why early emotional education matters more than ever. This episode is full of validation, practical insight and reassurance that you are not alone. If you have children, work with young people, or simply want to understand what so many families are facing behind closed doors, please listen. It could change the way you show up for someone you love. 💛
Our “Have you got 8 minutes, mate?” campaign (a simple code that means: I don’t want to be here anymore). We’re fundraising £8,000 to create a short film to share with schools, universities and organisations, so people can support each other peer-to-peer.
You're not alone. Help is available. Reach out anytime.
🚨 If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.For urgent mental health support, you can also contact NHS 111 or your local Crisis Team.
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Samaritans – Call 116 123 (24/7, free)For anyone in distress or feeling suicidal. You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out.🌐 www.samaritans.org
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Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free)A free, confidential mental health text support service.🌐 www.giveusashout.org
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CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Call 0800 58 58 58 or use webchat (5pm–midnight)Support for men and anyone who feels overwhelmed.🌐 www.thecalmzone.net
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PAPYRUS – HOPELINE247 – Call 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org (24/7)Confidential suicide prevention support for young people under 35, or anyone worried about a young person.🌐 www.papyrus-uk.org
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Childline – Call 0800 1111 (24/7)Free, confidential support for anyone under 19.🌐 www.childline.org.uk
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YoungMinds Crisis Messenger – Text YM to 85258Free 24/7 text support for young people in mental health crisis.🌐 www.youngminds.org.uk
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YoungMinds Parents Helpline – Call 0808 802 5544 (Mon–Fri, 9:30am–4pm)Support for anyone concerned about a child or young person’s mental health.🌐 www.youngminds.org.uk/parent
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Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or text 86463Mental health advice, info, and support services.🌐 www.mind.org.uk
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SANEline – Call 0300 304 7000 (4pm–10pm daily)Emotional support and guidance for people affected by mental illness.🌐 www.sane.org.uk
💚 You matter. Talking helps. Help is out there — please reach for it.
This project was made possible by The National Lottery Community Fund
Listen now on Spotify
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