⚠️️ Trigger Warning ⚠️️ This episode contains discussion of suicide.

If you're affected by the themes and need support - resources are listed below or available on our website.

After a 40-year career in the British Army, Baz Melia MBE has taken on one of the most urgent and emotionally complex missions of his life: tackling veteran suicide.

Now leading The Always a Rifleman Programme (AARP), Baz combines military discipline with trauma-informed, community-based support to confront the realities of suicide among former service personnel.

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Baz for an unflinching, compassionate conversation about the mental health crisis facing veterans. Together, they explore the deep-rooted challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the silent weight of male loneliness, and the importance of belonging and identity after military service.

Baz shares personal stories that drive his work, including the tragic loss of a close friend, and reflects on the emotional toll of his role. He also introduces the innovative strategies behind AARP, and why early intervention, peer support and cultural understanding are key to saving lives.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t end with rank - and that compassion, connection and action are essential tools in the battle many veterans face after service.

If you or someone you know is a veteran in crisis, please know that help is available. You can access resources via our website at www.bfbs.com/audience-support.

Below are some UK-based resources - the helplines included are available to call (or text) 24/7, 365 days a year.

Always a Rifleman Programme (AARP)

📞 0800 470 0941

Combat Stress

📞 0800 138 1619

📱 07537 173683

Samaritans Veterans Helpline

📞 0808 175 3075

Op COURAGE

You can follow Baz Melia on LinkedIn - and follow our host, Lindsay, on LinkedIn & Instagram

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this conversation. Email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency, specialising in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.

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