This is Us

It's the season finale! To the end this season of the podcast, we've got something a bit different from the usual student and uni life chats. In this episode,  Paige speaks with special guest Mark Riddell MBE. Mark is the National Advisor for Care Leavers for the Department of Education. He has lived experience of being in care and chats openly with Paige about his own experiences and how that has led him to the amazing work that he does today to influence policy and change. We really hope that you enjoy this episode and as always, do let us know what you think.To find out more about the Unite Foundation scholarship visit Unite Foundation + our scholarship = This is us. (thisisusatuni.org)To be a guest on the podcast email info@unitefoundation.org.ukJoin the This is Us community at This is Us Community (mn.co)If you are affected by any of the topics mentioned you can visit Home - Mind or text SHOUT to 85258

This week on the podcast we've got something a bit different! In this episode Paige and Cereza swap uni stories and chat through anonymous accounts of flatmate disasters!Cereza graduated Queen Mary University London on the Unite Foundation scholarship and talks to Paige about next steps, making Youtube videos and her ADHD diagnosis. To find out more about the Unite Foundation scholarship visit Unite Foundation + our scholarship = This is us. (thisisusatuni.org)To be a guest on the podcast email info@unitefoundation.org.ukJoin the This is Us community at This is Us Community (mn.co)If you are affected by any of the topics mentioned you can visit Home - Mind or text SHOUT to 85258

Paige chats to King Balusa, who is studying Business Management and Marketing on the Unite Foundation scholarship in London. They discuss music, creativity, and King's transgender journey. To find out more about the Unite Foundation scholarship visit Unite Foundation + our scholarship = This is us. (thisisusatuni.org)To be a guest on the podcast email info@unitefoundation.org.ukJoin the This is Us community at This is Us Community (mn.co)If you are affected by any of the topics mentioned you can visit Home - Mind or text SHOUT to 85258

In this episode Paige speaks with Lauren, who is currently studying a masters degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Edgehill University. They chat through Lauren's experience and learnings around creative counselling, movement therapy and finding healthy ways of understanding and expressing your emotions. To find out more about the Unite Foundation scholarship visit Unite Foundation + our scholarship = This is us. (thisisusatuni.org)To be a guest on the podcast email info@unitefoundation.org.ukJoin the This is Us community at This is Us Community (mn.co)If you are affected by any of the topics mentioned you can visit Home - Mind or text SHOUT to 85258

To launch our 5th series of the This is Us podcast, Paige chats to Lisa who is a first year global law student at Queen Mary University London. They talk about the importance of support for care experienced young people, the journey to university and Lisa's plans for the future. To find out more about the Unite Foundation scholarship visit Unite Foundation + our scholarship = This is us. (thisisusatuni.org)To be a guest on the podcast email info@unitefoundation.org.ukJoin the This is Us community at https://thisisusatuni.mn.coIf you are affected by any of the topics mentioned you can visit Home - Mind or text SHOUT to 85258.  

In this special 'Be Our Guarantor' podcast episode, host Paige Mackenzie explores the issue of rent guarantors for care experienced and estranged students. She chats to Sam and Ezra who have been affected by the issue, as well as Unite Foundation director Fiona Ellison. You can find out more about how to support and get involved in the 'Be Our Guarantor' campaign here Be Our Guarantor = Unite Foundation (thisisusatuni.org)

In episode 21 of the This is Us podcast, Paige chats to Danu, who is studying Hispanic Studies and Comparative Literature at Queen Mary University London. They talk about the books that made them cry, how going to university felt like a natural decision and navigating the university experience without parental support. If you are affected by any of the issues mentioned in this podcast you can find support at http://www.mind.org.uk or text SHOUT to 85258. 

In this episode of the podcast, Paige chats to an old school friend Becki. They talk through Becki's experience of working in a school and the memories attached to her song choices by Sam Smith, Panic at the Disco and Tom Odell. Please note that this episode contains discussions of substance abuse and domestic disturbance. If you are affected by any of these issues, you can find support at http://www.mind.org.uk or text SHOUT to 85258. 

In this episode of the podcast, Paige chats to Saeed Atcha about challenges at university, his career journey and his self-confessed obsession with Taylor Swift!Saeed studied PR and Marketing at university and is the founder of Youth Leads UK, an award-winning charity that supports young people. You can find out more here Home - Youth Leads

In this episode of the podcast, Paige chats to Aura, an estranged student at the University of Bristol. They talk about the importance of education, how they navigated the challenges of lockdown and Aura's love for Bristol. Aura also talks about the importance of community and finding the right people to create a strong support system.Please note that this episode contains talk of substance abuse, domestic disturbance, alcoholism, and addiction. If you have been affected by any of these issues Mind charity http://www.mind.org.uk can offer you support and you can also text SHOUT to 85258.

[TW] We're back with a brand-new series! In the first episode of our 4th series, Paige chats to Daniel who is currently studying criminology and forensic psychology at Kingston University London. They chat about mental health, trying to be vegetarian and the 3 songs he associates with different aspects of his life. Please note that this episode discusses self-harm, addiction, mental health and suicide. If you have been affected by any of these topics Mind charity http://www.mind.org.uk can offer you support and you can also text SHOUT to 85258. 

In the latest episode of This is Us, Paige chats to Sedil, who’s in her final year at Newcastle University studying Civil Engineering. Sedil is going to be specialising in transport (think railways and airports) and, for her, being a woman in engineering is a big deal! Sedil and Paige talk about the differences between the North and South of England and how Sedil was keen to leave London for a fresh start but is looking forward to returning, to study for her Masters, taking with her all that she has learned and experienced at university so far. Their conversation is guided by Mac Miller, Avelino and Gaidaa and, throughout, touches on the subject of mental health. If you or anyone you know is struggling you can contact Mind at mind.org.uk

As she finishes her final year studying Event Management at Leeds Beckett University, Leah talks to Paige about her experiences as an estranged student; the challenges, the opportunities and finding a sense of community. Guided by Simple Plan, Chaka Khan and Biffy Clyro, Leah and Paige talk about how important music is to them both, look back on festival memories and Leah looks forward to her upcoming move to London to make her way in the events industry.

[TW] A very special episode of the This is Us podcast this week, we welcome Paige's sister, Jamie! Paige and Jamie talk about growing up together, their different paths in life and their university experiences - while she may not have enrolled at LJMU, Jamie felt very at home there! Look forward to some beautiful duets and late night tales, inspired by Pink, Kate Nash and Neiked.NOTE: Just to let you know Paige and Jamie do touch on the topics of addiction and suicide. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk) is a brilliant charity that can offer support or you can also text SHOUT to 85258, they're there for you 24/7.

Having recently graduated, Josh talks to Paige about his journey to uni (literally arriving in his Corsa!), his time studying Politics, a visit to Parliament and his current role with his local authority working to make a difference for young people leaving care. DJ Ironik, Drake and Polo G take us on an emotional musical ride!

It's the first episode of our 3rd series! Paige talks to Journalism student, Jax, about self confidence and belief, nights out in Aberdeen and Jax's work with This is Us, raising awareness of food insecurity through the #DineInFor2Pounds campaign - with the 1975, The Magician and Lil Peep for company!

In the final episode of 2020 Paige chats to Emily who's studying International Business and Marketing at De Montfort University. Emily talks about her experience being part of the Unite Foundation and her role in the recent rebrand and launch of This is Us, starring in the movie of her own life and Emily and Paige discuss their shared love of Justin Bieber!This chat is guided by Dave and Fredo, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, naturally.

In this episode of This is Us, Lewis chats to Paige about the power of a positive mindset, his reconnection with his parents, defying expectations and the society he’s setting up for care experienced and estranged students in Manchester – with Miguel, Tame Impala and Big Sean for company.

In Episode 3 or our second series, Stephen – a 3rd year Graphic Design student at DMU – talks to Paige about relationships, his journey to and through university and discovering his career path – with some little detours along the way. Sometimes you need to try the things you don’t want, to find the things you do! Their chat is guided by Coldplay, Talamasca and Hard-Fi.Stephen has been integral in creating the visual identity for this podcast and the wider This is Us brand – led by the students on the Unite Foundation scholarship. Look up @thisisusatuni across social media and visit thisisusatuni.org for more information about the scholarship.

In episode 2 of our second series, Paige chats to Tiyana who's studying at Kings College London and keeps very busy alongside her studies as a stylist on fashion shoots and music videos and writing for Woman to Woman.Paige and Tiyana discuss feminism, racism, meeting parents for the first time and the power of being true to and confident in yourself. Their chat is guided by Sevana, Kelis and Andre 3000 and DaBaby - your homework is to listen to Off the Rip!