Alison Forster

University Lecturer striving to make sense of this crazy🌎

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

@Matt_Pinner 13

[Stan Collymore @StanCollymore]

Suicide.

I'm choosing to be deliberately blunt and provocative in this post because it's necessary. Government, charities, football clubs are all pushing water up a hill in highlighting what is undoubtedly a major health crisis.

You take a rope.
You put it up in a garage or a tree nearby or far away.
You're thinking about every loved one you'll leave behind as you put that rope around your neck.
Then you drop.

Some are decapitated.
Some aren't.
All are found by someone who has a lifetime of trauma that will never leave them.
A son.
A daughter.
A brother.
A sister.
A mother.
A father.

I know 2 men who hung themselves.

One was found by his Mom.
One was found by his brother.
Neither have recovered fully. 20 and 30 years on.

A life sentence for people who were already worrying, terrified their loved one may do something.

So just visualise the above and ask, "is there another way"?

A segway for a moment.

I do a few Q&A's every year. Tales of yesterday with a 99% male audience of my age group.

After the stories and fun, my last question back to the audience is..

"Hands up if you struggle with a mental health issue".

Nobody ever puts a hand up. Despite 1 in every 3 of 500 attendees statistically struggling.

"Ah, nobody, that's fucking brilliant! Well I do! ". I then graphically tell people, stunned into silence about how a rope around my neck in the middle of nowhere jolted me to go home and cry like a baby to my Mom.

After the Q&A has finished, something always happens. I'll be chatting to a few guys, saying bye and one by one, men will come over and whisper " I struggle".

Or my mailbox the next day will have 30 emails from guys, their partners or kids saying " Dad/Uncle /Brother was there last night and what you said hit them hard".

And that's how some people realise that it's time to speak to a pal or family member or even rant to me in an email. It works, I often get a follow up email a year or 6 later saying that they took responsibility for their suicidal feelings and are now flying.

Humans are programmed to want to live, to have families and to keep the species growing and thriving. So for a human to want to short circuit that desire isn't normal, and it should never be spoken of as normal. It's the ultimate red flag.

If you suspect your mate, Dad, Brother, Uncle is struggling mentally, they deserve your intervention.

They deserve a " are you OK, please tell me what's up".

They deserve an opportunity to get past wanting to hang a rope over a tree or in a garage and slowly struggle until they die and you find them.

If you've been there and trust me I have plenty, then you'll know that text out of the blue, or a footie mate or one of your kids asking jow you are can open the curtains to some sunshine.

Because when suicide is your only answer, the room is already dark, and you can't see a way out.

So please, fucking pretty please, ask that husband, Dad, Uncle, Cousin, footie pal TODAY how they are.

You may be shocked what comes back but extremely glad that you asked.

For those who struggle, you're not alone.

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

@StanCollymore 💔

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

https://t.co/3seMRrODAi

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

@sarajcox Legends 👏🏻

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

@SalfordCCHelp Hi
What is happening with the bin collection ? I am assuming that the weather stopped my bins being emptied Friday? Will I have to wait for another 3 weeks M28 2

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

@ObesityUK_org

💙 A New Year Reminder 💙

It’s tough seeing weight loss & fitness ads everywhere right now. But remember—you’re on YOUR journey.

✨ Be kind to yourself.
✨ Celebrate small wins.
✨ You are enough, just as you are

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

💙 A New Year Reminder 💙

It’s tough seeing weight loss & fitness ads everywhere right now. But remember—you’re on YOUR journey.

✨ Be kind to yourself.
✨ Celebrate small wins.
✨ You are enough, just as you are.

Step into the New Year with self-love & support! 💙 #ObesityUK

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

The holiday season can bring joy but also emotional or physical fatigue. For those living with obesity, post-Christmas blues can feel overwhelming. Remember, you’re not alone. The new year offers a chance to focus on small, kind steps toward well-being. Progress, not perfection.

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

@ObesityUK_org 🌟 Healthier Choices This Christmas 🌟
Celebrate the season while staying mindful:

🎄 Enjoy portions in moderation.
🍎 Swap heavy snacks for fruit & veggies.
🏃‍♀️ Stay active—walk, play, or workout!
🥗 Balance treats with nutritious meals.
🧠 Listen to your hunger

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

🌟 Healthier Choices This Christmas 🌟
Celebrate the season while staying mindful:

🎄 Enjoy portions in moderation.
🍎 Swap heavy snacks for fruit & veggies.
🏃‍♀️ Stay active—walk, play, or workout!
🥗 Balance treats with nutritious meals.
🧠 Listen to your hunger

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

The festive season can be tough for those of us living with obesity.

Food, comments, and pressures to “fit in” can feel overwhelming. Remember:
•You’re not alone.
•Obesity is complex, not a matter of willpower.
•We’re here to support. @ObesityUK_org #SupportEachOther

[kenclare @kenclare]

Off to a good start with two jokes ⁦@ZaherToumi⁩ always a good friend to patient organisations ⁦@ObesityUK_org⁩ ⁦@ECPObesity⁩ #NCDCollaboration

[Obesity UK @ObesityUK_org]

We’re proud to partner with Moderna on the ‘Stay on Track’ campaign, which encourages people with a BMI of 40+ to take steps to prevent illness this winter. Visit https://t.co/l2MVJUuDUs to learn more!
#StayOnTrackThisAutumn

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

What fantastic news 🙏

[Tackling the Blues @TacklingBlues]

Thrilled to the share news that the '£2.5m awarded will significantly strengthen @edgehill's international standing in mental health research, adding to existing sector-leading expertise' @TacklingBlues

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

@TacklingBlues @edgehill Brilliant news

[Morelife @team_morelife]

Morelife are very proud to be presenting our GLP1 outcomes for Greater Manchester at the Impact of Obesity on Health Conference, hosted by the Salford Royal Hospital today.

Well done, Sava Naeem (pictured here and to everyone else in our Manchester team).

[Prof Paul Gately @profpaulgately]

My involvement in ITV 1 Tonight show tomorrow night. https://t.co/UQjmcT4Bf6

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

@profpaulgately Extremely important and insightful programme. Well done Paul #GLP1 #obesity #weightlossinjectables #obesityuk

[Alison Forster @AlyForster]

⁦@profpaulgately⁩ ⁦@TalkTV⁩ ⁦@JeremyKyleLive⁩ ⁦⁦@ObesityUK_org⁩ our CEO on live with Jeremy Kyle discussing weight loss injections for children https://t.co/39xAPqzN6O