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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Ryan Paton

Steph's Packed Lunch viewers support Roman Kemp after important mental health message

Roman Kemp was praised by Steph's Packed Lunch viewers after issuing an important mental health message.

The Capital Breakfast DJ lost his best friend Joe Lyons to suicide in August 2020.

Roman explored the problem of mental health in young men in the BBC documentary Our Silent Emergency.

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The 28-year-old appeared on today's edition of the Channel 4 talk show and opened up on his friendship with Joe.

He said: "He was someone that I met on my very first day of working on the radio. It's very rare that people click and become best friends who they just work with.

"I always say this, but if I'd have lined up 20 of my friends, he would have been the last I would have expected to take their own life."

Roman was on-air when he found out the news of Joe's death, which he describes as the most horrible thing he's ever been through.

The TV personality has since helped set up a charity in his friend's honour named Joe's Buddy Line, which is designed to encourage people to talk about their mental health problems.

Roman also urged people to talk to their friends if they may be suffering.

He said: "I think a lot of onus is put on the people that are suffering to talk and that's the hardest thing when you are suffering, when you are in that mental state.

"My biggest message in it was that I wanted people to be the hero to their friend that I actually wasn't to mine.

"I wasn't up on where he was at so it's all about getting people to check in on their mates.

"Ask them twice are you ok. Make sure that you ask that twice because it's the most important part of a conversation.

"Say it at the beginning and if they say they're good then carry on, but ask again at the end and I guarantee you'll find something different."

Steph praised Roman for the important advice and he also received the support of viewers following the show on Twitter.

Clegg said: "Insightful seeing @romankemp speaking with @StephLunch about the silent crisis of suicide & about Joe's Buddy Line I remember watching Roman's documentary last year, 'Our Silent Emergency' & it having a lasting impact. It's a heavy watch but worth seeing it"

Kathryn added: "Roman is so right. You have to check in on your friends and family cos there are so few services available to help. It shouldn't be like that"

Judith commented : "Such respect for Roman Kemp"

Steph's Packed Lunch airs weekdays at 12.30pm on Channel 4

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