Charlie Waller Trust Podcast

In this episode of Community In Mind, we’re joined by Angeli Sweeney, an emancipatory youth worker and senior mental health practitioner at 42nd Street, a Manchester-based mental health charity for young people. 

We explore what emancipatory youth work looks like in practice, the role of creativity in supporting young people’s wellbeing and confidence, and how organisations can create more inclusive, culturally responsive mental health services. Angeli also shares reflections on the challenges, learning, and hope that come from working in anti-oppressive, youth-centred ways. 

In this episode of Community In Mind, we explore trauma-informed approaches and why co-production with young people must sit at the heart of meaningful mental health support. 

We’re joined by Caroline, a psychotherapist with extensive experience creating supportive environments for young people, and Paddy, who brings lived experience and was part of a co-production project shaping a trauma-informed framework. Together, we explore what trauma-informed care looks like in practice, the importance of youth voice in shaping services, and how organisations can move beyond consultation towards genuine co-creation. 

In this episode Eliza and Kyanne discuss the ups and downs of Freshers' Week. They have honest conversations about the drinking culture at uni, the impact of the cost of living crisis on students and looking after your well-being during freshers weeks. 

In this episode, Kyanne and Eliza discuss spending time alone. They have honest conversations about the stigma around spending time alone and how it can be changed into a positive thing to do for your wellbeing.

In this episode, Kyanne and Eliza discuss life transitions. They have honest conversations about the challenges of moving into 6th form, moving house and the transition between term time and the holidays. They discuss the stigma around the fear of big life changes and top tips on how to cope with them.

In this episode, we have a very special guest Ben West joining us to discuss male body image. Ben is one of the UK’s leading mental health campaigners. Ben is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, including suicide prevention and pushing for essential systematic changes in the governmental and educational approaches. We chat to Ben about the stigma attached to male body image, the various factors that contribute to these struggles.

In this episode Kyanne and Eliza discuss what a mental health toolkit is and how you can build your own. The things we do to maintain our wellbeing are unique to each person, they chat about what works for them and fellow ambassadors such as exercise, creativity and sleep. Kyanne and Eliza have conversations about how to continue using your mental health toolkit when going through challenges in life.

In this episode, Kyanne and Eliza discuss friendships. This is a topic which is often spoken about when a child and discussed much less as a young adult even though the challenges are still present. Kyanne and Eliza have honest conversations about making friends, comparison, setting boundaries and long-distance friendships.

In this episode, Kyanne and Eliza discuss the challenges exams and revision can have on your wellbeing. They have honest conversations about comparison with friends and family members with both revision and exam results. Kyanne and Eliza talk about their top tips for looking after your mental health in the lead to exams and straight after. As well as the challenges of receiving your results whether you are happy or disappointed with them.

In this episode, Kyanne and Eliza have a special guest Patrick Regan joining them to discuss the world of work. Patrick is a fellow ambassador for the trust and is currently working full time. They have honest conversations about the challenges of applications and dealing with rejection. A huge struggle for young people entering the workplace is comparison to others, they offer their own experience and top tips.

Trigger warning: this episode includes discussions around medication for mental health and suicidal thoughts. Please note: If you are experiencing side effects from your medication, go back and check with GP if any side effects don’t go away, there are lots of different options to try. 

In this episode of Stigma to Strength, Ginya talks to fellow student ambassadors, Amy and Sophie, about the stigma around taking medication for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. The conversation covers a fascinating range of views and experiences which we think a huge number of young people will relate to. They also cover issues such as their experiences of side effects, combining medication with talking therapies, and the importance of self-care.

In this episode of Stigma to Strength, Ginya talks to fellow student ambassador Patrick and trust supporter Connor Kelly, about finding balance and routine as a young professional. This insightful conversation covers a range of topics and and experiences which we think a huge number of young people will relate to. They also cover topics such as moving away from pub culture, speaking out about mental health as a male and the importance of self-care.

In this episode of Stigma to Strength, Ginya talks toIn this episode Andy talks to Ginya about being Autistic. They acknowledge increasing education around language and neurodiversity and discuss the stigma and misunderstandings that remain societally. Andy calls for people to talk to autistic people about their individual needs and recognise that if they’ve met one autistic person, they’ve met one autistic person, and should not then form broader assumptions. 

In this episode of Stigma to Strength, host Ginya talks to fellow student ambassador Emma. They discuss navigating adolescence and adulthood. Emma shares their unconventional path, including their struggles with dyslexia and the impact of COVID-19 on their education. They emphasises the importance of self-validation, lifelong learning, and finding a supportive community. They both stress the significance of personal growth and setting personal milestones that align with individual values rather than societal expectations.