Game Changers

How can you overcome stereotypes, and get everyone swimming?Alice Dearing has enjoyed a highly decorated career, culminating at the Tokyo Olympics. She made history, becoming the first black woman to swim for Team GB at an Olympic Games in 2021.Alice started swimming at a young age, encouraged by her mum. She fell in love with the sport and rapid progress followed: success at county level, then regional, then national. She was junior World Champion in 2016 and took on the gruelling open water 10km at the Olympics four years later.Now, having retired from swimming, Alice is taking on an even bigger challenge. She was shocked when she discovered that, in 2020 in England, 95% of black adults and 80% of black children did not swim. Similarly, 93% of Asian adults and 78% of Asian children did not swim either.And so, Alice co-founded the Black Swimming Association (BSA). The aim was to get more people into pools, dispelling stereotypes which have been holding back black and Asian people from learning to swim. With help from The National Lottery, the BSA is now helping communities across the country – getting many people into the water for the first time. It’s been a huge success; Alice has seen firsthand how people are overcoming their fear of water and are discovering the pleasures of swimming. Game Changers host, Aimee Fuller - two-time Olympian, author and broadcaster – meets Alice. They compare Olympic experiences as National Lottery funded elite athletes and discuss Alice’s Game Changing work. Aimee discovers Alice’s incredible drive – to change the narrative around how black and Asian people are viewed in aquatics.We are also joined by broadcaster, Clare Balding, who reads a new poem celebrating the National Lottery’s Sports Game Changers.  And poet Robert Montgomery describes how meeting Alice inspired his work, which was displayed with great drama in sporting locations across the UK.Be inspired. Follow to catch every episode. Game Changers is brought to you by National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. For more information about projects that help ordinary people, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can you transform peoples lives through running?Growing up in South Africa, parkrun founder - Paul Sinton Hewitt - used running as a way to unwind and challenge himself. But it was often a solitary experience. Later, as his career took him around the world, he realised what he wanted was a running community.And so, he dreamed up parkrun: to bring people together, to run, to chat, in a welcoming atmosphere – all at no cost.It’s been a sensation.  Each week at parks around the world, hundreds of thousands of people meet at the start line. And with a little help from The National Lottery, it’s now bigger than ever.Game Changers host, Aimee Fuller - two-time Olympian, author and broadcaster – meets Paul to talk about his visionary idea, and discovers not just Paul’s modesty, but his ambition – to make parkrun an even bigger success.We also have a special guest: broadcaster Clare Balding reads a new poem inspired by The National Lottery’s sporting Game Changers.  The poem has been written for display in several sporting locations across the UK. Artist and poet Robert Montgomery describes the challenge of floating the poem on the surface of a swimming pool, and the inspiration he has taken from Paul and all the Game Changers in Sport.Be inspired. Follow to catch every episode. Game Changers is brought to you by National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. For more information about projects that help ordinary people, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can you reduce loneliness for older people?  That was the question Trevor Lyttleton asked himself in 1965. His solution was to bring together young volunteers with elderly people who had fallen off the radar, and get them chatting over a cup of tea. The monthly tea parties grew and grew. The charity started in London, with a small group of friends in Marylebone. By the time Trevor retired as chair in 2015 it was nationwide: 8000 volunteers were providing vital links to lonely pensioners at 600 tea parties every month.And with a little help from The National Lottery, it’s now reaching a more diverse community than ever before.Game Changers host, Aimee Fuller - two-time Olympian, author and broadcaster – meets Trevor to find out how Re-engage has changed people’s lives. On the way she discovers Trevor’s own remarkable career as a Grammy-nominated composer.We also pay a visit to St James’s Park in London, where an inspiring new artwork is revealed. Artist Luis Gomez de Teran has been commissioned to paint seven exceptional Community Game Changers - including Trevor. He describes how he was struck by Trevor’s incredible story, and how the Game Changers energized him to produce this uplifting artwork.Broadcaster and DJ Adele Roberts also joins the Game Changers as their portraits are revealed, in a park which has a strong personal resonance in her own life.Be inspired. Follow to catch every episode. Game Changers is brought to you by National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. For more information about projects that help ordinary people, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you create a gym which is accessible to everyone? Many years ago, Game Changer Javeno McLean sat down in his mum’s kitchen in front of a blank sheet of paper. He sketched out his vision – a gym where the whole community, including the elderly and people with disabilities, could work up a sweat, and get fit.After an incredible amount of hard work, persistence, and a little help from The National Lottery, Javeno achieved his goal. J7 Health Centre in Manchester uses exercise as a tool to help communities find happiness, and improve quality of life. Game Changers host, Aimee Fuller - two-time Olympian, author and broadcaster – meets Javeno, to ask how he turned that pencil sketch into a reality, and discovers Javeno’s incredible optimism, empathy and good humour.And we pay a visit to London, where an inspiring new artwork is being created. In the serene oasis of St James Park, artist Luis Gomez de Teran has been commissioned to paint seven exceptional Game Changing individuals who have been transforming Communities over the last three decades including Javeno. Be inspired. Follow to catch every episode. Game Changers is brought to you by National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. For more information about projects that help ordinary people, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.ukTRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains a discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide or needs to talk to someone, please get in contact with the Samaritans online https://www.samaritans.org/ or call them for free on their 24-hour helpline 116 123. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you inspire people to believe in a sustainable future? When our Game Changer - Sir Tim Smit – came across a disused clay quarry in Cornwall in the 1990s, he knew he’d found the answer. Sir Tim is the visionary co-founder of the Eden Project, which transformed sterile soil into a lush green landscape, and turned a forgotten quarry into a global destination for nature, culture and sustainability. The National Lottery was an original funder of the Eden Project, and continues to fund projects there to this day.  Game Changers host, Aimee Fuller - two-time Olympian, author and broadcaster – meets Sir Tim, to find out what it took to create this vision. She asks how he inspires people to believe in a better future, and encounters Sir Tim’s incredible drive and inspiring energy. And we pay a visit to historic Whitby Abbey, for the unveiling of a breathtaking new artwork. Sir Tony Robinson joins the Game Changers on the Yorkshire clifftops, to experience the work by David Popa, celebrating these exceptional Game Changing individuals who have been transforming different Heritage communities over the last three decades.  Be inspired. Follow to catch every episode.Game Changers is brought to you by National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. For more information about projects that help ordinary people, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the best way to inspire the next generation of scientists?That was the question facing our Game Changer Teresa Anderson MBE. She’s a physicist and the director of the Discovery Centre at Jodrell Bank. For the past 18 years, she has been driving the Observatory’s redevelopment, hoping to attract a new, diverse generation of people to gaze at the stars, and discover the wonders of space.The stunning new exhibition spaces are the result, built with a little help from The National Lottery.Game Changers host, Aimee Fuller - two-time Olympian, author and broadcaster – visits the Observatory – a UNESCO World Heritage Site - to meet Teresa, and see the vision for herself.And we take a trip to historic Whitby Abbey, perched on the cliffs of the windswept Yorkshire coast. Here, a breathtaking new artwork has been created by David Popa, celebrating the Game Changers - exceptional individuals who have had an extraordinary impact on heritage and conservation over the last three decades.Be inspired. Follow to catch every episode.Game Changers is brought to you by National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. For more information about projects that help ordinary people, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.ukA Listen production for The National Lottery.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take for a person to make a big impact? What drives them? Where do they find inspiration?In the brand-new revamped series of Game Changers, Aimee Fuller – two-time Olympian – meets ordinary people who do extraordinary things with a little help from The National Lottery.This extra special series celebrates the 30th birthday of The National Lottery, and Aimee hears from people who have achieved remarkable things across the UK. From the person who has brought millions of people together through parkrun, to the Discovery Centre attracting a new, diverse, generation to Jodrell Bank. From a voluntary project helping isolated elderly people, to the visionary gym that went viral after helping people with disabilities work up a sweat and get fit.Aimee discovers how the people who built these projects broke through, and how they continue to bring profound change, inspiration, and collective joy to millions. Joining us are the likes of Sir Tony Robinson and Adele Roberts, who champion Game Changers across the worlds of arts, heritage, community and sport. They introduce specially created artworks at major landmarks - at Whitby Abbey with its windswept cliffs, at the parkland oasis of St James Park, and the bustling V&A Museum in London.Join Aimee Fuller on an extraordinary journey.Game Changers is brought to you by National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. For more information about projects that help ordinary people, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.ukA Listen production for The National Lottery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Homework, football boots, glucagon kit. For football-mad 14-year-old Lochlan Murdoch between school and training, managing Type 1 Diabetes has been a job 10 years in the making. However, after a devastating injury on the pitch, Lochlan was motivated and inspired to educate those around him on both the physical and mental impact of having diabetes at a young age - and the impact he would have would be well beyond his expectations.In this episode, Sam Quek meets Lochlan and his mum Lesley to find out about Lochlan's Legacy, a National Lottery funded project about how adults can positively impact young people's mental health and the unexpected impact Kilmarnock FC had in the teenager’s journey. Listen to discover Lochlan's story and his remarkable legacy. Amazing Starts Here is brought to you by National Lottery players, for more information about good causes in your area, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk A Listen production for The National Lottery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Work pressure, isolation and stigma: the challenges facing the UK's farmers can be familiar, but as We Are Farming Minds, the Hertfordshire-based mental health charity demonstrates, these factors can be heightened for farmers, by their unique careers and remote lives.  In this episode of Amazing Starts Here, Sam Quek catches up with Sam and Emily Stables from the National Lottery funded We Are Farming Minds project, where they support individuals and open up conversations about mental health issues in the most remote farming communities.  You'll hear about the lives of people that We Are Farming Minds has changed through their support line, social events, counselling and awareness training. Plus, discover how this couple faced the challenges of bringing the taboo topic of suicide into the mainstream, how they are looking to the future, leading the charge on mental health services in their community, and they reveal all about their visits from country-loving royals.  Trigger Warning: This episode includes stories and descriptions of suicide; some contents may be upsetting or trigger an adverse reaction. Listener discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you give surfing a rebrand? When Wave Wahines founder, Yvette Curtis’ child wanted to pursue their surfing ambitions, it opened Yvette’s eyes to the gender, class, ability and even language barriers to entry.  But, as a sports enthusiast, she wasn’t going to standby, instead she jumped on board, ready to ride the wave of change.  From the experiences of the young Wahines themselves, to seriously uncompetitive competitions; in this episode of Amazing Starts Here, Olympian Sam Quek meets Yvette to explore the roots, impact and ambition of this inspirational National Lottery funded female-focused surf club.  Plus, you'll hear the awe-inspiring story of Wave Wahines’ first cohort of girls from Syrian resettled families, who challenged inclusion barriers that face immigrants through the power of sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a climate of increasing awareness of fast-fashion and rising eco-anxiety globally, a pioneering textile artisan has the seeds for solution.Justine Aldersey-Williams’ vision is as creative as it is revolutionary. Drawing inspiration from Lancashire's rich industrial heritage, Justine has used agroecological principles with native fibre and dye crops to grow her own jeans.In this episode of Amazing Starts Here, Sam Quek hears from Justine and Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant to find out how this groundbreaking idea came to be, and the many technical skills required to actually grow a pair of jeans. Plus, explore the huge impact fashion choices can have and how this sustainable, ethical approach can not only shift an industry, but a landscape and community too.Amazing Starts Here is brought to you by National Lottery players, for more information about good causes in your area, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk A Listen production for The National Lottery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you achieve your biggest ambition, what's next?For gold-medal Paralympian, Libby Clegg this moment of pure accomplishment left her numb. But eventually it became was a turning point, one that led her to explore new avenues, take on new sports and reconnect with the parts of athletics that she had grown up relying on through thick and thin.In this episode, Olympian Sam Quek joins Libby at her training centre to find out more about being diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition at age 9, her journey to becoming the positive role model she grew up without, the value of National Lottery funding as an athlete and how does it feel to compete in front of 80,000 people. And then her biggest challenge of all… becoming a mum. How does an elite athlete train when they are 38 weeks pregnant?Libby also offers a glimpse of what it was like gliding to the finals of ITV's Dancing on Ice, as well as switching from paralympic sprinting to cycling.With this many accolades to her name, what could be her proudest achievement? Listen to find out.Amazing Starts Here is brought to you by The National Lottery, for more information about good causes in your area, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.ukA Listen production for The National Lottery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hidden in a community hall in West Sussex, Singing Mamas is the unique choir with an eye-opening mission.There's no auditions and you won't hear a solo, instead this musical group is singing to the tune of finding connection with other mums. The group is one of many around the globe, that through sound has proved itself as new-mum hack for de-stressing, improving mood and finding likeminded people.In this episode, Sam Quek heads to a Singing Mamas group to hear one voice in particular - nurse and group founder, Kate Valentine. Plus, she also chats with some of the group's mums about why they join and some unexpected impacts singing can have, as well as how the group has evolved beyond its musical roots to become an invaluable NHS tool in the fight against postnatal depression.Amazing Starts Here is brought to you by The National Lottery, for more information about good causes in your area, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.ukA Listen production for The National Lottery.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can a cup of coffee change someone’s life?Café 16 in Newcastle might look like an ordinary café, but it’s impact is truly life-changing. Part of The Oswin Project and staffed by prison leavers, the cafe offers mentorship, training and employment to help reduce reoffending and empowers those with a criminal record to make different choices. In this episode, Sam Quek meets the inspirational Fiona Sample, leading mind behind Cafe 16. Plus, she also chats with some of those who worked at the café to understand the complexity behind why people end up in prison, the challenges they face when they get out, and hears how the project provides practical skills and a thorough support system for long-term change. Amazing Starts Here is brought to you by The National Lottery, for more information about good causes in your area, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk A Listen production for The National Lottery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's it like going from being at the top of your sporting game and prepping for your A-Levels... to being bed bound with multiple injuries? For Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist and Paris 2024 front-runner, Alex Yee, it was a light-bulb moment that led him to push the limits of human potential, leaving a trail of inspiration in his wake. In this episode, Alex sits down with fellow Olympian and Amazing Starts Here host, Sam Quek, for a look into life behind the medals. From failing in a fun bet with fellow triathlete and girlfriend, Olivia Mathias and becoming friends with his heroes the Brownlee brothers... to a remarkable recovery and training with the support of National Lottery players who raise £30 million for good causes in the UK every week.Amazing Starts Here is brought to you by National Lottery players, for more information about good causes in your area, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk A Listen production for The National Lottery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is a group of singing mums being prescribed on the NHS? Can we “grow jeans” to make fashion more sustainable? And how do we give people leaving prison a second chance to rejoin society? Discover the answers to these curious questions and more in the brand-new series of Amazing Starts Here, with TV presenter and Olympic gold medallist, Sam Quek.  Join Sam on a remarkable journey across the UK as she discovers the inspiring stories of ordinary people who do extraordinary things with a little help from The National Lottery.  Amazing Starts Here is brought to you by National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. For more information about projects that help ordinary people, visit: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk A Listen production for The National Lottery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Superheroes don’t usually get to pick their missions, but The National Memorial Arboretum (an organisation which has received National Lottery funding) did. It’s on a mission to remember the lives lost during the pandemic in the same way we remember war heroes today. Amber Rose-Gill tells the origin story of the nation’s place for remembrance and its new goal.For bonus content on the National Lottery funded projects featured in the podcast head here: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/good-causes/amazing-starts-here-podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Lottery funded Elite Athlete Eilidh Gibson fights for women and girls to experience the same life changing magic of sports as their male counterparts via her charity. Amber Rose-Gill tells the origin story of how Eilidh set up Slalom Inspires in the midst of dealing with an injury that held her back from her Olympic dreams. For bonus content on the National Lottery funded projects featured in the podcast head here: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/good-causes/amazing-starts-here-podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Superman fights for truth, justice and a better tomorrow, and former Elite Athlete Eilidh Gibson fights for women and girls to experience the same life changing magic of sports as their male counterparts. Amber Rose-Gill tells the story of Slalom Inspires, a charity that breaks down barriers for women in sport.For bonus content on the National Lottery funded projects featured in the podcast head here: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/good-causes/amazing-starts-here-podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Superheroes like Captain America, Wonder Woman and the Skylark IX all played their part in World War II. The Skylark IX Recovery Trust (a National Lottery funded charity) keeps her story alive whilst helping those recovering from addictions. Amber Rose Gill tells the story of a little Dunkirk ship that’s become a symbol of recovery and resilience for communities in Dunbarton. For bonus content on the National Lottery funded projects featured in the podcast head here: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/good-causes/amazing-starts-here-podcast Special thanks to Dumbarton Cine Video & Digital ClubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.