The Mental Health Couch
On The Mental Health Couch podcast, you'll find a range of interviews with some of the interesting people I meet in my work. You'll also hear episodes from my radio appearances, audio tracks from our free webinar series and more.
At The Mental Health Coach, we focus on increasing people's skills and literacy in mental health, helping them navigate mental health in day to day life and work.
By listening to this podcast, you'll gain insights into mental health from a range of people, and a range of perspectives. Welcome!
The Mental Health Couch
Compassion in a Tote bag: The Journey of Bags for Strife, with Angela Allen
In this heartfelt episode, host Nick McEwan-Hall speaks with Angela Allen, the founder of "Bags for Strife," a charitable initiative that provides crucial support to those affected by suicide.
Angela shares her deeply personal story, beginning with the tragic loss of her best friend's husband to suicide, followed by the devastating suicides of her own daughter, Katrina, and her husband.
Through these experiences, Angela recognised a profound lack of support for those grieving such losses, which inspired her to create a peer support group and then the concept of bags filled with resources, compassion, and understanding.
Nick and Angela delve into the unique aspects of the bags, which include items designed to provide comfort and practical assistance to bereaved individuals. They discuss the importance of acknowledging grief as a universal experience, regardless of age, and the vital role community and connection play in healing.
Angela also outlines exciting plans for developing a version of the bags tailored for young people, ensuring that their voices and needs are adequately represented.
Join us for this moving conversation on grief, resilience, and the power of compassion in creating supportive communities for those navigating loss.
Check out Bags For Strife, and AfterBAGS Australia.