BBC presenter Tara Mills has released a new hour-long documentary that explores the profound impact her brother Richard’s death has had on her and her family, 15 years after he died by suicide. The film aims to shed light on the mental health crisis affecting many in Northern Ireland and raise awareness of suicide, which is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK.
Richard Mills was a talented photojournalist who worked for The Times and captured the struggles of people living in conflict-ridden areas such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Tragically, he died by suicide while on assignment in Zimbabwe. In the documentary, Tara and Richard’s son, Finn, share their personal memories of Richard and embark on a journey to Zimbabwe to meet the people who spent time with him during his final days.
Additionally, Tara travels across Northern Ireland to witness the vital support provided by local charities and community groups for those suffering in silence and for the families left behind by suicide. The documentary aims to raise awareness of the importance of mental health support conversations around suicide.
Tara Mills explains that the film took 15 years to make for several reasons. Firstly, it was primarily about Finn’s desire to retrace his father’s final steps and discover more about the dad he has virtually no memory of. Secondly, Tara believes it is important for her own children to know about their uncle and the circumstances surrounding his death. The film aims to provide closure and understanding for her family, who still struggle with confusion and disbelief. Tara hopes that the people who worked with Richard in Zimbabwe and saw him the day he died might provide some clues about why he took his own life.
The documentary, titled “Tara Mills: Life After Loss,” was produced by Below The Radar for BBC Northern Ireland. It will air on Wednesday, November 1, at 10.40pm on BBC One NI and will also be available on BBC iPlayer. For more information about mental health and access to the BBC’s extensive collection of mental health content across TV, radio, and digital platforms, viewers can visit the dedicated online resource, BBC Headroom.
