Rethinking Suicide Prevention: Education, Connection & Conversations That Matter

Debi Roberts – Champion for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Debi Roberts is the CEO of The OLLIE Foundation, a UK-based suicide prevention charity, dedicated to equipping individuals and communities with the tools to foster meaningful conversations about mental health.

As an educational author, trainer, and advocate, she is committed to building resilience, empowering conversations, and driving sustainable mental health strategies.

💡 Let’s collaborate to create a world where mental well-being is a priority. Reach out to explore partnership opportunities!

Rethinking Suicide Prevention: Education, Connection & Conversations That Matter

• Bridging the Gap Between Personal & Professional Well-being – Many individuals lack a strong support network, making it crucial to foster community-driven mental health solutions.
• The Wizard of Oz Effect – Understanding the masks we wear in life and the hidden struggles behind them.
• Suicide Prevention & Connection Through Food – How shared meals and real conversations can create safe spaces for support.
• Starting in Year 6: The Power of Early Education – Why introducing emotional literacy, connection, and mental health conversations at a young age can change lives.
• The Impact of Words & Emotions – Acknowledging pain, validating experiences, and creating dialogue that truly matters.
• The Need for Space & Understanding in Teenage Years – Recognising the challenges young people face and the importance of being present.
• Why Suicide Education Must Start with Educators – Equipping those who teach with the knowledge and confidence to address mental health proactively.
• Recognising Suicide Risks in Society – From railway accessibility to the broader social and historical context of suicide.
• Understanding the Frequency & Hidden Factors – Exploring self-harm, mental health struggles, and the link between medication and chemical imbalances.

Chapters

• 0:50 Personal health and professional health are different stories
• 2:15 Many people don't have a village / support
• 3:30 Becoming like the Wizard of OZ
• 4:00 Working in suicide prevention
• 6:00 Teaching connection through food
• 7:20 From Year 6 real educational conversations and actions
• 8:20 Adding the power of words and emotions
• 11:20 Adding the words - it matters
• 12:50 The context of pain
• 14:10 Why education at year 6 matters - the changes
• 16:30 A case of teenage challenges
• 18:45 The need to give space
• 21:30 Suicide education needs to start with the educators
• 30:00 The railways - always accessing for means and risks
• 32:30 The social aspect of suicide health
• 34:00 The history of suicide
• 37:00 The frequency of suicide
• 38:10 Self murder and children
• 39:00 Suicide and mental health
• 44:00 Suicide education
• 46:00 Chemical Suicide - medications and side effects