Small Talk, Big Change

Nearly 95% of UK teenagers are on social media. But what's it actually like? In this episode, we hear from young people Aaron, Alex, Chloe, Freya, Marcus and Maya about life online. We also hear from practitioners Karolyn Daye-Collis from All Minds and Dr Irene Warner-Mackintosh from the Mhor Collective.From finding community and managing anxiety, to broken algorithms and the pressure to be perfect - we explore the good, the bad, and what adults keep getting wrong. We ask whether banning social media is the answer, and what would actually help young people feel safer online.If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, visit mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp

In the first of a 2-part episode, presenter Ravideep Kaur explores the challenges faced by refugee, asylum seeker, and migrant families in accessing healthcare and raising children in a new culture. In this episode, she focuses on the impact of racism and microaggressions on families accessing services. You will hear the additional voices of Amma Birth Companions mothers and CEO Maree Aldam, Maryhill Integration Network parent Nyla and Dad Rock's father Regan. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, visit ⁠mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp⁠.

Presenter Tim Street explores what young people need to better support their mental health at home and in school.  You will hear the additional voices of Teacher Kerry Russell, librarian and parent Jane and student Natasha and ex-headteacher, and Head of Service for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) Billy Burke. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, visit ⁠mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp⁠.

In today's episode, we're going to explore the topic of parental mental health and co-regulation with insights from parents, organisations and charities MindMosaic Child and Family Therapy, and Dad's Rock and children's mental health expert Laura Earnshaw. This is a crucial area that affects every family, yet it's one that's often overlooked or misunderstood. We'll be diving deep into the challenges parents face, the impact of stress on both parents and children, and most importantly, the strategies and support systems that can make a real difference. For more information and to find support, visit the Mental Health Foundation website - ⁠mentalhealth.org.uk

**This version of Small Talk, Big Change called Together to Thrive contains no music or sound design**  In this episode of Small Talk Big Change, we explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of neurodiversity and the challenges faced by families navigating long waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, or CAMHS. The episode will explore an innovative task-sharing approach being pioneered in Dundee, Scotland, called Together to Thrive with insight from Dr. Johnny Graham, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist in NHS Tayside, Jacqui Paton and Keren Hadden from NHS CAMHS in Dundee, children’s mental health expert Laura Earnshaw and Louise, one of the parents who has received support through Together To Thrive. You’ll hear how this groundbreaking project aims to redirect specialist mental health support to community-based organisations, providing much-needed help to families who would otherwise be left waiting and struggling. For more information about Together To Thrive and to find support, visit the Mental Health Foundation website - ⁠mentalhealth.org.uk

In this episode, we dive into the importance of play and creativity beyond the early years. Our society often associates play and creativity with young children, but what impact does play have as children grow older? How can engaging in the arts impact mental health and wellbeing? To explore these questions, we've gathered a panel of experts from various organisations dedicated to supporting children and young people through the arts. Joining us are Lou Brodie from Imaginate, Corah Ambrose from The Teapot Trust, Eleni Daskalaki-Denman, a Family Support Worker at Playful Minds Dundee, and Kai Peacock from Rolled Up Productions. For more information on the Mental Health Foundation, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk

In this episode of Small Talk Big Change, we explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of neurodiversity and the challenges faced by families navigating long waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, or CAMHS. The episode will explore an innovative task-sharing approach being pioneered in Dundee, Scotland, called Together to Thrive with insight from Dr. Johnny Graham, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist in NHS Tayside, Jacqui Paton and Keren Hadden from NHS CAMHS in Dundee, children’s mental health expert Laura Earnshaw and Louise, one of the parents who has received support through Together To Thrive. You’ll hear how this groundbreaking project aims to redirect specialist mental health support to community-based organisations, providing much-needed help to families who would otherwise be left waiting and struggling. For more information about Together To Thrive and to find support, visit the Mental Health Foundation website - mentalhealth.org.uk

In this episode of Small Talk, Big Change, we explore the crucial role of "the village" in supporting mothers during the perinatal period. Through stories from young parents' support base at Smithycroft Secondary School and Amma Birth Companions, and Childrens Mental Health Expert Laura Earnshaw, we delve into the impact of stigma, isolation, and mental health challenges. The episode highlights the importance of peer support in addressing these issues and introduces the Mental Health Foundation's Small Talk framework, which aims to support practitioners in delivering inclusive peer support to parents during this critical time. For full information on the Small Talk Framework and support, find more information through the Mental Health Foundation website - mentalheath.org.uk  

In the second of a 2-part episode, presenter Ravideep Kaur explores the challenges faced by refugee, asylum seeker, and migrant families in accessing healthcare and raising children in a new culture. In this episode, she focuses on the challenges of language barriers and parenting in an unfamiliar culture You will hear the additional voices of Amma Birth Companions mothers and CEO Maree Aldam, Maryhill Integration Network parent Nyla and Dad Rock's father Regan. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, visit ⁠mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp⁠.

Small Talk, Big Change is a new podcast series from Mental Health Foundation in Scotland, exploring what it takes to create a society where children and families can truly thrive. We'll discover how early intervention and support can help prevent mental health problems from developing later in life.