In this episode, Amelia Wrighton shares how personal tragedy became the driving force behind Suicide&Co — a charity she co-founded to support people bereaved by suicide. From identifying a huge gap in mental health provision to building a national counselling service from the ground up, Amelia’s story is one of purpose, resilience, and bold leadership.
About the Guest
Amelia Wrighton is the co-founder and CEO of Suicide&Co, a UK charity dedicated to supporting people bereaved by suicide. Since launching in 2020, Suicide&Co has grown rapidly into a national service offering free counselling, emotional support, and resources to help people navigate suicide-related grief.
Drawing on her own lived experience and a background in the commercial sector, Amelia has built a data-driven, human-centred organisation that combines empathy with innovation. Her work challenges stigma, reimagines fundraising, and is helping to reshape how the UK responds to suicide bereavement.
Trigger Warning
This episode includes discussion of suicide and suicide bereavement. Please take care while listening and use the support resources below if you need help.
This Episode Covers
- From loss to leadership: Amelia’s personal story and what inspired her to create a national, tech-enabled service for suicide bereavement.
- Finding the gap: Why suicide bereavement support is critically underfunded and often overlooked compared to prevention.
- Designing for scale and humanity: How Suicide&Co blends person-centred care with operational efficiency and data-led decision making.
- Fundraising with purpose: Why connection, creativity, and community are central to the charity’s approach — from branded merchandise to major gala events.
- Ambition without burnout: How Amelia stays grounded while leading a fast-growing team tackling emotionally demanding work.
- The North Star: Suicide&Co’s mission to ensure everyone bereaved by suicide in the UK is connected with support within the first week.
- What businesses can do: Amelia’s advice for leaders on bereavement policies, compassionate workplaces, and doing pro bono the right way.
Support & Resources (UK)
- Suicide&Co — counselling, emotional support, and resources for people bereaved by suicide. Visit suicideandco.org
- Samaritans — free, confidential 24/7 listening. Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
- Shout — free, 24/7 text support. Text SHOUT to 85258 or visit giveusashout.org
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) — peer-led groups and support line 0300 111 5065. Visit uksobs.org
- Mind — guidance on coping with bereavement by suicide and finding local support. Visit mind.org.uk
- NHS Urgent Help — call 111 or visit nhs.uk/urgenthelp for mental health crisis support.
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
Links
