In this episode, Charlotte talked about the work done at Nudge Education https://nudgeeducation.co.uk/ Nudge practioners work individually or two to one, with young people who are not currently engaged with education and work towards finding a suitable progression, which could be a return to school, college, or another provision.  Charlotte talked about the particular lived experiences of young people going through a global pandemic and all the disruption that entailed.  As adults we were able to navigate  these changes with our resilience and life experience, which these young people don’t have.  This experience has left some young people with mental health problems and disengagement from education services. Charlotte talked about the person centred approach, finding a way to engage the young person and gave some examples of the creativity of delivering learning and support.

Jake, Ranna, Lisa and Sarah talk about conflict in the workplace and how people living with mental ill health, or who are neurodivergent may experience situations differently, which can make remaining in employment, or feeling psychologically safe at work, difficult. They discuss different styles of dealing with challenging situations and how these can be at odds with each other, and how lack of communication, consideration and support in teams can become a source of conflict and distress. Jake outlines principles of a mediation based approach which aims to help both sides of a dispute appreciate each others perspectives and find an acceptable way forward which satisfies everyone, rather than a compromise which disappoints both.

Sarah, Rana, and Caron discussed a range of issues related to women's health and societal expectations. They highlighted the challenges faced by young women in terms of mental health, academic pressure, and appearance expectations, as well as the impact of misogyny fueled by social media. The conversation emphasized the need for addressing these issues to ensure a safe and equal environment for women. The participants also discussed women's activism, gender pay gaps, and societal implications of social injustice and climate change. They focused on the challenges women face in the workplace, particularly pay disparities and balancing work and family responsibilities.

In this solo episode Jake is updating on delivering mental health training on a cruiseship in Amsterdam! And how Heartfelt Minds is planning some new episodes coming up.

Sarah's Journey With Mental Health Sarah shared her personal journey with mental health, highlighting her struggles with depression and self-harm from a young age. She discussed her tendency towards introversion and how she coped by reading books during social gatherings. Sarah also revealed that she had attempted suicide multiple times during her teenage years due to feelings of detachment and despair. She emphasized the need for seeking help and expressed gratitude that her attempts did not result in hospitalization. Sarah also mentioned that she had intense friendships and feelings of love and betrayal, and used self-harm as a coping mechanism.

Our first guest is Teresa Pearce! In this fascinating episode of the Heartfelt Minds podcast, former UK Member of Parliament Teresa Pearce offers an incredibly honest and personal look inside the immense pressures faced by politicians. She shares her own mental health struggles stemming from the demanding 24/7 workload, public criticism, and escalating threats that are an everyday reality for MPs. Teresa recounts the severe stress, anxiety, and trauma she endured. She is candid about becoming "a nervous wreck" and feeling "broken" from the job's unrelenting strain. Teresa also movingly recounts her recovery process and resolve to prioritise self-care. She offers thought-provoking insights on the vital need for boundaries, down time, and mental health support amongst legislators. Teresa makes an impassioned and cogent argument for political reform to better safeguard MP's wellbeing. This eye-opening discussion provides a glimpse into the human toll endemic in public life. Teresa's courage and wisdom in speaking out, combined with the hosts' thoughtful commentary, makes this a truly compelling episode. If you want an unfiltered, compassionate exploration of mental health and work-life balance, this podcast is a must-listen.

In this episode, Jake reflects on his experiences in 2023 and discusses his transition to self-employment. He shares his ADHD diagnosis and eye surgery journey, highlighting the importance of taking time for personal health. Jake also discusses his approach to the new year, focusing on stability and medium to long-term goals. He concludes by sharing his upcoming projects, including workplace mediation and mental health first aid training. Takeaways Transitioning to self-employment can provide flexibility and allow for better productivity based on individual preferences.Seeking a diagnosis and treatment for mental health conditions can lead to improved well-being and increased productivity.Taking time for personal health and self-care is essential for overall well-being and success.Approaching the new year without resolutions can alleviate pressure and allow for a more realistic and sustainable approach to personal growth. Join mental health advocate and charity leader Jake Morrison for raw, honest conversations about living with mental health challenges and making a difference. Drawing from his own experiences with conditions like ADHD and Borderline Personality Disorder, Jake shares personal stories and actionable insights for nurturing psychologically safe, supportive environments where everyone can thrive. With over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience, including award-winning work at a Citizens Advice, Jake has a proven track record of innovating solutions, connecting authentically, and driving positive change. Now a passionate mental health trainer and consultant, Jake explores topics like workplace belonging, stigma, mindfulness, resilience, and more. His aim is to empower individuals and organisations to foster compassion and human-centred policies. Expect open discussions from the heart, highlighting practical takeaways alongside Jake's personal mental health journey. By sharing his vulnerabilities and triumphs, he hopes to inspire others to seek help, find their voice, and live life to the fullest.

In this episode, Caron Kirkham discusses the importance of physical health and shares her personal journey towards improving her mental and physical well-being. She highlights the benefits of walking, including cardiovascular health, mood improvement, cognitive processing, and muscle strength. Caron also talks about the positive impact of walking in a group, fostering social connections and confidence. She introduces the concept of the mental health five a day, which includes relaxation, exercise, spending time with supportive people, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep. Caron emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to improve mental health. Takeaways Regular walking can have transformative effects on physical and mental health.Walking in a group can provide additional mental health benefits, such as social connections and increased confidence.The mental health five a day includes relaxation, exercise, spending time with supportive people, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.Taking proactive steps to improve mental health can positively change overall well-being.

Money worries and mental health often go hand-in-hand, but breaking the vicious cycle is possible. In this candid episode, our hosts share their own experiences managing finances during periods of poor mental health. You'll hear honest accounts of how debt, impulsive spending, and financial insecurity impacted their mood and recovery. The group explores important issues like social pressures around holiday spending, the stigma of seeking support, and how better education and planning could help prevent money woes. Join us for an enlightening look at the money-mood connection. Discover how to empower ourselves and others to improve financial literacy, seek early support, and prioritise wellbeing over wealth. Takeaways: Poor mental health and financial problems often go hand-in-hand, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates both issues.Seeking support early when struggling with finances can prevent small money problems from ballooning into crises. Don't let stigma stop you getting help.Better education on financial literacy and planning could help many avoid money woes that worsen mental health. Prioritising wellbeing over wealth is crucial. Support resources: Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/Shout - https://giveusashout.org/Hub of Hope - https://hubofhope.co.uk/Citizens Advice - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Money and Mental Health charity - https://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/StepChange debt charity - https://www.stepchange.org/ Thank you for visiting our new podcast. We're new, trying it out - and keen to share our stories and passion for advocating for mental health support. We're looking for your feedback on whether this is interesting to you, if you want to hear more, what we can do to improve etc! Please feel free to email Caron at ⁠⁠caronkirkham@gmail.com⁠⁠, Jake at ⁠⁠info@jakemorrison.co.uk⁠⁠, Ranna at ⁠⁠ranna_patel@hotmail.com ⁠⁠ or Sarah at ⁠⁠⁠sarahlongmhfauk@gmail.com⁠⁠ Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/217409

This episode of Heartfelt Minds focuses on how people can support each other at work. The conversation highlights the pressure managers feel to fix everything and the importance of truly listening and understanding the experiences of others. The impact of managers on employees’ mental health is discussed, emphasising the need for supportive work environments. Examples of poor practice in dealing with health issues are shared, highlighting the importance of empathy and validation. The conversation also explores the need for better approaches to mental health and the use of wellness action plans. Takeaways: Managers should focus on listening and understanding rather than trying to fix everything.Supportive work environments are crucial for employees’ mental health.Empathy and validation are essential in dealing with health issues.Wellness action plans can be powerful tools for supporting mental health at work. Support resources: Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/Shout - https://giveusashout.org/Hub of Hope - https://hubofhope.co.uk/ Thank you for visiting our new podcast. We're new, we're trying it out - and we're keen to share our stories and passion on advocating for mental health support. We're looking for your feedback on if this is interesting to you, if you want to hear more, what we can do to improve etc! Please feel free to email Caron at ⁠caronkirkham@gmail.com⁠, Jake at ⁠info@jakemorrison.co.uk⁠, Ranna at ⁠ranna_patel@hotmail.com ⁠ or Sarah at ⁠⁠sarahlongmhfauk@gmail.com⁠ Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/217409

As an experienced manager, mental health advocate and my own lived experience of mental ill health, I explore the vital role managers play in supporting employee wellbeing. I provide some tips for having more open, understanding conversations. Rather than viewing struggling employees as problems to fix, I make the case for working alongside staff, leading with empathy, and creating psychologically safe cultures. Things like asking outright about suicidal thoughts, taking off the "manager hat" in moments of crisis, proactively checking in on stress levels, and more human connections can provide employees the space to open up. Managers set the tone for workplace culture and employee support. I share my own management experience and mental health expertise to argue managers should raise awareness, foster individual wellness plans, and validate staff through challenges. Support and understanding from managers can make work a powerful, positive part of mental health recovery. Thank you for visiting our new podcast. We're new, we're trying it out - and we're keen to share our stories and passion on advocating for mental health support. We're looking for your feedback on if this is interesting to you, if you want to hear more, what we can do to improve etc! Please feel free to email Jake at ⁠⁠info@jakemorrison.co.uk⁠

Hi I am Ranna, I have worked in public health areas, especially in workplace wellness for nearly 20 years across all sectors and sizes of organisations. I am training instructor in mental health for 7 years. I deliver training wearing different hats such as workplace MHFaider®, someone who has worked at the heart of the government managing policy and programmes in public health areas and an ex-service user. I have supported running workplace faith groups and have been listening ears in the workplace. I do volunteer work within my community and in London area to create and promote policies and actions that helps people experiencing poor mental health. My passion for prevention comes from my personal and professional life. Using Japanese ‘ikigai’ approach I started following my passion in 2017 and enjoying this exciting journey of increasing mental awareness and looking forward to meeting you in one of my courses! You can contact me rannapatelaaw@gmail.com

Trigger warning - in this podcast we talk about suicide feelings. Having lived with suicidal thoughts since the age of 11, I share my personal experiences and insight into the power of compassionate listening and real human connection when someone is struggling mentally. I argue that providing non-judgemental support and caring can make a huge difference, even if we can’t make someone’s problems disappear. I share real stories where listening openly and asking directly about suicide uncovered critical issues and possibly even saved lives. While not a replacement for professional help, I make the case that basic mental health training for staff in any public-facing role can give them the confidence to have these potentially life-changing conversations. My goal is to get more organisations thinking about how they can play a part in supporting people’s mental health. I hope this episode makes the case that we all need to talk more openly about this tough topic. That having the awareness to reach out with empathy and compassion can change lives. Thank you for visiting our new podcast. We're new, we're trying it out - and we're keen to share our stories and passion on advocating for mental health support. We're looking for your feedback on if this is interesting to you, if you want to hear more, what we can do to improve etc! Please feel free to email Jake at ⁠info@jakemorrison.co.uk

Join our personable panel of mental health advocates as they dive deep into combating loneliness and nurturing community this winter. With humour and compassion, they share lived experiences of grief, anxiety, neurodivergence and more to model how building connections can help us through hardship. Learn simple habits to lift your mood, like batch cooking, wellbeing walks and voluntary work. Discover their motivations, how they find meaning and the wisdom they draw from unusual sources - like hibernating wildlife! Most of all, hear first-hand how caring for each other helps us all thrive, no matter the season. From reclaiming festive traditions to overcoming social anxiety, the group shares ideas big and small so we can all foster togetherness amid the long nights. Their candid conversations model how to voice struggles openly, judgement-free. Laughter abounds as they swap lighthearted tips from embracing squirrel thinking to channelling inner bears! Their warmth jumpstarts your own inspiration for spreading more kindness this solstice. Thank you for visiting our new podcast. We're new, we're trying it out - and we're keen to share our stories and passion on advocating for mental health support. We're looking for your feedback on if this is interesting to you, if you want to hear more, what we can do to improve etc! Please feel free to email Caron at caronkirkham@gmail.com, Jake at info@jakemorrison.co.uk, Ranna at ranna_patel@hotmail.com or Sarah at ⁠sarahlongmhfauk@gmail.com Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/217409

Thank you for visiting our podcast. Please bear in mind that we're new, we're trying it out - and we're keen to share our stories and passion on advocating for mental health support. This is one of our solo podcasts, and we also will be getting together weekly as a group. We're looking for your feedback on if this is interesting to you, if you want to hear more, what we can do to improve etc! Please feel free to email Sarah at sarahlongmhfauk@gmail.com In this solo episode, host Sarah Long courageously shares her personal journey with loneliness and her life-long quest for meaningful connection. She offers insight into feeling different as a child, struggling to find her people as a teen, and realizing she craves nourishing relationships. Sarah contemplates the complex factors impacting human bonds today. With remarkable honesty, she discusses self-compassion, living in the present and learning to treasure both solitude and togetherness. About Sarah Long: Sarah Long has been delivering Mental Health training since 2013 in a variety of settings. She is an Independent Instructor Member of MHFA England and also an associate instructor for the MHFA England Workplace Team. Sarah backs up her training with lived experience of anxiety, depression and mood disorders over 35 years, allowing her to bring a human face to the topics. Her 16 years managing teams and HR policy in the UK Government's Department of Health also lent crucial insight into supporting employees with mental health needs. Sarah has a PG Cert in Interpersonal & Counselling Skills and continually pursues learning about mental health and wellbeing.

Thank you for visiting our podcast. Please bear in mind that we're new, we're trying it out - and we're keen to share our stories and passion on advocating for mental health support. We're looking for your feedback on if this is interesting to you, if you want to hear more, what we can do to improve etc! We're available at caronkirkham@gmail.com - info@jakemorrison.co.uk - ranna_patel@hotmail.com ----------

Thank you for visiting our podcast. Please bear in mind that we're new, we're trying it out - and we're keen to share our stories and passion on advocating for mental health support. This is one of our solo podcasts, and we also will be getting together weekly as a group. We're looking for your feedback on if this is interesting to you, if you want to hear more, what we can do to improve etc! Please feel free to email Caron at caronkirkham@gmail.com In this episode Caron references a happiness group at Action For Happiness - https://actionforhappiness.org/groups/whitley-bay Embark on the next chapter of our Loneliness Dialogues as Caron Kirkham takes center stage, building on the insights shared by Jake in our previous episode. Caron's solo exploration delves into the intricate web of emotions stirred by loneliness, inspired by Jake's profound reflections. Join Caron as she recounts her early encounters with solitude and the societal conditioning that shaped her perceptions. From the challenges of being a woman in a world that often expects a certain relationship structure to the complexities of adjusting to an empty nest, Caron shares her deeply personal experiences. Discover how Caron found solace in volunteering, formed new connections through Action for Happiness groups, and embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Her narrative unravels the layers of loneliness, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of resilience, growth, and the importance of self-kindness. Caron's story adds another layer to the conversation. Like, subscribe, and join the discussion in the comments as we continue to unravel the complexities of loneliness in this ongoing podcast series. Stay tuned for more dialogue, where real people share their unique journeys, fostering connection and understanding in a world that often grapples with the silent struggles of solitude.

Thank you for visiting our podcast. Please bear in mind that we're new, we're trying it out - and we're keen to share our stories and passion on advocating for mental health support. This is one of our solo podcasts, and we also will be getting together weekly as a group. We're looking for your feedback on if this is interesting to you, if you want to hear more, what we can do to improve etc! Please feel free to email Jake at info@jakemorrison.co.uk In this raw solo episode, mental health advocate Jake Morrison unravels his profoundly personal life-long struggle with loneliness. He contemplates feeling like an outsider since childhood, the emotional anguish of fragmented friendships, and his longing for reciprocal relationships. Jake asks the hard questions about whether neurodivergence or sexuality impacts connection, finding meaning when you don't fit in, and if he’ll end up lonely in old age. With courage and compassion, he shares how even perceived slights can trigger agonising isolation yet clings to hope that kindness and inclusive communities can forge bonds where there were none. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:33 Discussing Social Isolation and Loneliness 01:12 Personal Experiences with Loneliness 02:58 The Impact of Loneliness on Health 03:59 Personal Struggles with Loneliness 08:54 Creating Connections: White Christmas Liverpool 14:45 The Importance of Quality Relationships 21:26 The Role of Kindness in Combating Loneliness 23:00 The Impact of Social Media on Loneliness 25:07 Finding Joy and Purpose to Combat Loneliness 28:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for visiting our podcast. Please bear in mind that we're new, we're trying it out - and we're keen to share our stories and passion on advocating for mental health support. This is one of our solo podcasts, and we also will be getting together weekly as a group. We're looking for your feedback on if this is interesting to you, if you want to hear more, what we can do to improve etc! Please feel free to email Jake at info@jakemorrison.co.uk