You First: staff wellbeing podcast series
Public Health Scotland and Suicide Prevention Scotland have developed a four-part podcast series aimed at those across our Scottish workforce who are working on sensitive and emotive topics and issues or with potentially upsetting data and information.
The podcasts were developed in response to ongoing conversations with people working in suicide prevention across Scotland and in our diverse teams in Public Health Scotland about the importance of staff wellbeing and the needs of non-clinical staff.
The podcasts are available on podcast platforms or you can listen on the Suicide Prevention Scotland website.
About the Podcasts
“You First” is hosted by a counsellor, writer and former journalist who has experience of supporting staff in difficult roles to prevent and manage burnout and vicarious trauma.
Each themed episode features invited guests sharing their own knowledge, experiences and suggestions.
- Episode 1 focuses on why it’s important that we pay attention to our wellbeing and the potential consequences if we don’t.
- Episode 2 looks at self-care and speaks to what we can do as individuals to minimise the impact of our work, and incudes useful tools and suggestions from a Stress Management Consultant and former GP.
- Episode 3 looks at the steps that line managers and organisational leaders should be taking to support staff wellbeing.
- Episode 4 explores what it’s like when our job is more than just a job, and how our own lived and living experiences can mean we need to pay extra attention to our wellbeing.
Each episode features vox pops recorded at the 2025 Suicide Prevention Scotland Conference, where a range of stakeholders talk about their own experiences of managing their wellbeing.
Intended Audience
The podcasts are aimed at anyone across the workforce doing emotionally demanding work, particularly on difficult topics such as suicide prevention, self-harm, trauma, abuse, or violence. This could include staff working within student support roles at colleges, universities and students’ associations. The aim is that staff in a range of roles will find the content supportive and useful.
Additional Materials
Alongside the podcast episodes a guide has been developed which captures and expands on the key information, messages and suggestions given in the episodes.
Further support
If you would like to talk to someone about how you are feeling, support is available.
