Men’s Therapy Hub launch week continues with another episode of No Man’s an Island. This is a vital conversation about suicide prevention that meets men where they are. Chris Hemmings speaks with Ellen O’Donoghue, Chief Executive of James’s Place and co‑chair of the National Suicide Prevention Alliance. Ellen draws on years of public health leadership at Movember and Public Health England to unpack what brings men into suicidal crisis, why many do not see themselves as having a mental health problem, and how a focused, rapid clinical intervention can dismantle crisis and restore hope. We explore James’s Place’s model – swift access within two working days, structured therapy delivered by trained clinicians, practical signposting for issues like debt and relationships, and welcoming spaces designed for men. Ellen also looks ahead – the need for early intervention, stable funding, smarter collaboration and campaigns that go to where men are. If you work with men, love a man or are a man navigating tough ground, this episode offers clarity, practicality and a path out of the darkest moments.
What we cover
- Why suicidal crisis often stems from life problems men cannot solve – not a diagnosis
- James’s Place’s model – urgent access, structured therapy, safe spaces
- The IMV lens – who a man is, what is happening now, proximity to means
- “Go to where men are” – designing services and messaging that land
- Collaboration, funding and scaling crisis services across the UK
- Early years and early intervention as long‑term prevention
Listen and watch
- Listen to all episodes here: No Man’s an Island
- Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMk4GXWtTTM&t=1619s
- Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-mans-an-island/id1849171262
- Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/5QgINHeUZKorBCE4LBoBXF?si=eae037416d464a10
Takeaways for men
- If you are in crisis you deserve help – you are exactly who services like James’s Place are for
- Name it – asking directly about suicide can open the door to safety
- Crisis can pass – with structured support you can move beyond the worst moments
- Practical problems need practical help – therapy plus signposting works
- You do not have to find help alone – let services come to where you are
Quotes to share
- “The man we see often does not think he has a mental health problem – he has a life problem he cannot solve.” – Ellen O’Donoghue
- “With the right structured support men get better and get better quickly.” – Ellen O’Donoghue
- “It should not be a person’s job to find help – it is our job to get help to them.” – Ellen O’Donoghue
- “You cannot solve the problem you cannot talk about – name suicide when you see it.” – Ellen O’Donoghue
Resources and links
- Men’s Therapy Hub UK – therapist directory and podcast hub
- James’s Place – men’s suicide crisis therapy
Episode credits
Hosted by Chris Hemmings with Ellen O’Donoghue. Produced by Men’s Therapy Hub. Recorded 2025.
