In this episode of Community In Mind, we explore the power of youth-led storytelling through Migrant Moods, a podcast created by young people at We Belong.Young migrants in the UK often face uncertainty, exclusion and multiple barriers, yet their voices are frequently missing from mainstream conversations. Migrant Moods challenges this by centring lived experience and creating space for young migrants to share their stories in their own words.We’re joined by Hillary and Abdullahi, two of the creators behind the podcast and volunteers at We Belong. Together, they reflect on how Migrant Moods came to life, the issues it highlights, and why storytelling is such a powerful tool for connection, identity and change.This episode also connects to the Charlie Waller Trust’s commitment to lived experience, recognising that people are more than any single label, and that meaningful engagement comes from listening to and working alongside communities. It will be particularly relevant for those working in education and community settings who want to better understand and support young migrants.Further InformationWe Belong - Learn more about We Belong and their work supporting young migrants: 

In this episode of Community In Mind, we explore the power of creativity to build connection, community and belonging. We’re joined by Anna Vu Thompson, Creative Director and CEO of Community Arts North West (CAN). CAN works with diasporic and marginalised communities to create more inclusive and accessible spaces in the arts. Anna shares insights on representation, storytelling and breaking down barriers to participation. She also reflects on intergenerational experiences of culture, language and creativity. While this episode focuses on community arts, it connects strongly to young people’s wellbeing. It highlights the importance of feeling seen, heard and represented. It also explores how safe, inclusive spaces can support connection and identity. This conversation reflects the Charlie Waller Trust’s commitment to becoming more inclusive and representative of the communities we serve. It also highlights the importance of listening, learning and recognising power and privilege in community engagement. Further Information Community Arts North West (CAN) Find out more about their work: https://www.communityartsnw.org/ Charlie Waller Trust Free training and consultancy to support young people’s mental health, with a focus on listening and co-creating approaches with communities: 📧 [email protected] 

In this episode of Community In Mind, we explore the experiences of young carers and the importance of recognition, respite and community-based support.Young carers often take on significant responsibilities at home, balancing education, friendships and personal development alongside caring roles. Evidence shows they are at higher risk of anxiety, depression and emotional distress than their peers, yet they are frequently overlooked by professionals — and some may not even recognise themselves as carers. This can limit early support and impact their wellbeing and opportunities.We’re joined by Rosie from Skills and Volunteering Cymru (SVC), a Cardiff-based organisation delivering community projects that support young carers, and Freya, a Youth Ambassador at the Charlie Waller Trust, who brings lived experience as a young carer. Together, they discuss the realities young carers face, the value of respite services, and what schools, universities and community organisations can do to better notice and respond.This episode will be particularly valuable for organisations supporting children and young people who are looking to strengthen their understanding of young carers’ needs and develop more inclusive, responsive support.Further ResourcesCharlie Waller Trust Evidence-informed resources on anxiety, depression and the Wellbeing Action Plan, alongside training for schools, universities, workplaces and community organisations. ⁠https://www.charliewaller.org/⁠ Skills and Volunteering Cymru (SVC) Learn more about SVC’s Young Carers Project and their wider community work: ⁠https://www.svcymru.org/

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. Please note: this episode touches on sensitive topics, including trauma and references to self-harm. Please listen in a way that feels right for you and seek support if needed. Even before 2020, almost half of adults reported experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) — such as poverty, discrimination, abuse, bereavement or caring responsibilities. Since the pandemic, every child and young person has lived through at least one significant adverse experience. While not all difficult experiences lead to trauma, adopting trauma-informed approaches helps organisations create environments grounded in safety, trust, collaboration and peer 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. This conversation reflects the Charlie Waller Trust’s commitment to co-production. The Trust works alongside families, education settings, workplaces and community organisations to strengthen early mental health support. We use the Lundy Model when working with lived experience partners, including Youth Ambassadors and parents and carers. This podcast series itself has been co-produced, with Youth Ambassadors leading on design, development, hosting and editing, supported by Trust mental health professionals. As always, the views shared in this episode reflect personal and professional perspectives and are not a substitute for clinical advice. Further Resources Charlie Waller Trust Mental health and wellbeing resources for those supporting children and young people, including webinars, wellbeing action plans, guidance on asking for help, and whole-organisation training for workplaces, universities, schools, colleges and community settings. https://www.charliewaller.org/ Evidence-based guidance on supporting young people after trauma Materials from Professor Sarah Halligan and colleagues: https://childtraumarecovery.com/ Mind – Youth Voice Network Learn more about youth-led and co-produced mental health work: https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering-and-participating/youth-voice-network/ UK Trauma Council resources: https://uktraumacouncil.org/resources Recommended reading The A–Z of Trauma-Informed Teaching (Primary) https://uk.jkp.com/products/the-az-of-traumainformed-teaching 

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. Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInFurther Resources:42nd Street - Mental health support and resources for young people, including wellbeing guidance and information on accessing supportCharlie Waller TrustMental health and wellbeing resources for those supporting children and young people, including:·       Webinars·       Wellbeing action plans·       Guidance on asking for help·       Whole-organisation mental health training for workplaces, universities, schools, colleges, and community settingsAnna Freud CentreResources on anti-racism and mental health in schools and colleges, offering practical guidance for education settings.-

In this episode of Stigma to Strength, host Ginya talks to fellow student ambassador Freya. They discuss the impact of being a young carer in mental health and how to look after your mental health as a young carer. This podcast is based on their personal experience and not professional research: if you are struggling, please seek professional help.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokTwitterFacebookLinkedIn

In this episode of Stigma to Strength, host Ginya talks to fellow student ambassador Emma. They discuss This podcast is based on their personal experience and not professional research: if you are struggling, please seek professional help. Follow us on social media: Instagram TikTok Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

In 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. Please note: Andy is talking about his own experience and not on behalf of other autistic people. Andy shares some of his knowledge from Medical School too. He shares scientific snippets which are part of a wider context and his training. Should you require clinical advice around this topic please contact a medical professional. We understand that functioning differs from person to person. The spectrum includes individuals who may be higher functioning, without disorder of intellectual development and with mild/no impairment of language - and also individuals with intellectual disorder and an absence of functional language.  In this podcast we discuss a the creation of personaility based on brain differences however it is important to note that there are other factors which can shape the development of our brains and personality. Different brains and genes interact with different environments which in turn shape the development of the brain and personality. Glossary of terms: Autism: Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. It is a neurodevelopmental difference, part of the neurodiverse community which includes other neurodevelopmental differences, for example, ADHD. Neurotypical: a term that's used to describe individuals with typical neurological development or functioning. Neurodivergent/neurodiverse: Neurodivergence is the term used to describe when someone's brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered "typical". Neurodivergent conditions include Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia.  This podcast is based on personal experience and not professional research: if you are struggling, please seek professional help. Find out more on our website: https://www.charliewaller.org/ Follow us on social media: Instagram TikTok Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

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. This podcast is based on their personal experience and not professional research: if you are struggling, please seek professional help.

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. This podcast is based on their personal experience and not professional research: if you are struggling, please seek professional help. Find our more on our website: https://www.charliewaller.org/ Follow us on social media: Instagram TikTok Twitter Facebook LinkedIn