'Being a late-night friend to a caller saved their life'

As the Radio Academy recognises the moment broadcaster Cristo Foufas was thanked by a listener for "saving his life", here he tells the incredible story behind the call

- 

As a broadcaster with 20 years of experience, I'm used to talking. I truly believe discussing issues in the news, thrashing things out, is the key not only to solving problems, but to good mental health. And experts agree.

A recent study found "talking therapies" - like seeing counsellors or psychiatrists - achieve far better results than any other type of treatment. But even talking with friends can help. Who doesn't feel better after a chin-wag?

The Mental Health Foundation agrees, stating friendships play a "key role" in good mental health.

I've presented many different types of radio shows, but there's nothing that compares with the emotional connection I've felt when hosting late-night phone-ins.

This sort of show is a place where I've heard the most incredible stories from people about their lives. I've been privy to triumphs, tragedies, laughter and tears. It's been an honour and a privilege to lend an ear.

COVID

What many of them don't know is how much they've helped me with my mental health over the years. During times when I've been suffering with debilitating depression or a crippling eating disorder, it's knowing I'd get a chance to speak to callers which gave me the will to dust myself off, get dressed and go to work.

And every time, I've felt better after - demonstrating the power of talking. Thankfully, I'm in a far happier place now. But I still wasn't prepared for a call I received four years ago during the Covid lockdown. It was a surreal and frightening time for everyone.

But as the presenter of the 10pm-1am show on TalkTV, I genuinely felt I had a duty to help with the mental health of my audience - many of whom hadn't really seen anyone in person for months. I used to call myself their "late-night friend" as people were so delicate during that period.