The Charity Show

Welcome back to The Charity Show - the charity podcast that lifts the lid on life inside UK charities, with real stories, expert tips and the behind-the-scenes moments that make the sector tick. This week, Tim and Piers are joined by Stephanie Slater MBE , founder and Chief Executive of School Food Matters , the charity that has been transforming children’s experiences of food in schools for almos...

Welcome to The Charity Show Bites , the charity podcast bringing you quick-fire stories, insights and surprises from across the UK third sector. This time, we’re tackling something every parent knows too well: the back-to-school season. September means new shoes, PE kits and endless stationery lists—but for many families, it also means mounting costs and added pressure. In this Charity Show bonus...

Welcome back to The Charity Show , the charity podcast that lifts the lid on life inside UK charities. Real stories, expert tips and the behind-the-scenes moments that make the sector tick. This week, we’re joined by Evie Dickinson , Head of Fundraising and Communications at the Prison Radio Association (PRA) —the groundbreaking charity behind the world’s first national radio station for people in...

What happens to all the tents, bags and buggies we leave behind at festivals, airports and train stations—and how do charities turn them into something good? This week, Tim and Piers rummage through the weird and wonderful world of lost property. From Glastonbury tents upcycled into fashion to TfL’s forgotten baby buggies finding new homes , we explore how abandoned items aren’t always waste—they...

Can charities achieve more when they stop competing and start collaborating—even on the biggest goals of all, like curing Parkinson’s and dementia? In this episode, Tim and Piers sit down with Helen Matthews (CEO, Cure Parkinson’s) and Dr Leah Mursaleen (Head of Clinical Research, Alzheimer’s Research UK) to explore a ground-breaking partnership between two of the UK’s leading medical research cha...

What happens to struggling families when school meals stop over the summer - and how are UK charities filling the gap? In this week’s Bites episode, Tim and Piers dive into the hidden pressures of the school holidays and spotlight the charities working hard to provide free food, clubs, trips and vital support for families. From Feeding Families in Gateshead to Summer Spud Club in Jersey, plus new...

What happens when a young person is forced out of education due to serious illness—and who’s helping them get back on track? In this inspiring episode, we speak to Josh Pelled , founder and CEO of Bright Futures UK , the only UK charity dedicated to helping young people aged 5–24 re-engage with education after long-term illness. Josh shares how his own experience of childhood cancer led to launchi...

Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites ! Your sun-soaked shot of charity sector fun, facts and fundraising flair. This week, Tim and Piers break out the factor 50 and dive into the weirdest, wildest and most wonderful summer charity stunts. From flamingos on your lawn to solar-baked brownies and business suits in the sea, these are the ideas that made people laugh, donate and—most importantly—reme...

What happens when you take a breast cancer awareness charity known for glitter, cheekiness and giant boob costumes - and ask them to make a legacy film? In this heartfelt and surprising episode of The Charity Show , Tim and Piers are joined by Zsuzi Kiss from Coppafeel! and Emma Bracegirdle from The Saltways , the creative agency behind Coppafeel!’s bold new legacy campaign. Together, they explore...

What happens when a yoghurt brand becomes a major force for good? In this episode of The Charity Show , hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley speak to Vicky Bryant , Head of Culture at Muller UK, to explore how a household name has transformed its community engagement from small donations to redistributing over 4 million meals through their partnership with food charity FairShare. Hear how Muller emb...

Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites ! Your espressoshot of charity stories and sector surprises. This week, Tim and Piers turn the spotlight on those who usually avoid it: celebrities who support charities quietly, generously and without fuss . From surprise hospital visits to million-pound donations, these are the untold stories of famous faces making a real impact behind the scenes. In This E...

AI is already transforming the third sector—but are charities ready? In this episode of The Charity Show , Tim and Piers are joined by two of the sector’s leading digital thinkers: Zoe Amar and Dan Sutch , co-founders of the new Charity AI Task Force . Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is being used across the sector, the risks it poses, and how organisations can embrace it ethica...

Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites ! Your charity sector espresso shot, brewed just in time for Volunteers’ Week . This episode is packed with real-life stories of volunteers making a difference in ways big and small—from book giveaways to vegetable boxes, and one very mischievous rescue cat. Tim and Piers share uplifting, funny, and sometimes chaotic tales from across the UK—proving just how...

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the third sector—but how do we inspire and retain them in an age of changing expectations, busy lives, and digital distractions? In this special pre-Volunteers' Week episode of The Charity Show , hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley sit down with two of the sector’s most passionate volunteer advocates: Flik Walls from WCVA and Alice O'Boyle from Volunteer Now...

Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites ! Your bitesize charity sector espresso shot—short, sharp and packed with curious campaigns and creative ideas. In this episode, Tim and Piers roll out the red carpet for some of the quirkiest awareness days in the calendar—and the imaginative ways charities have brought them to life. From biscuit dunking to emoji donations, there’s no such thing as a dull mo...

It’s a milestone moment for The Charity Show ! In our 25th episode, hosts Tim and Piers celebrate one year of powerful conversations, unforgettable guests, and deep dives into the issues shaping the UK charity sector. This week, they’re joined by Juliette Bouverie OBE, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, to explore the remarkable Sing for Stroke campaign - an innovative initiative that high...

Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites ! Your bitesize dose of third sector inspiration - quick, energising, and packed with incredible stories. This week, Tim and Piers lace up their trainers and relive some of the most unforgettable moments from the 2025 London Marathon , the UK’s largest single-day charity fundraising event. From record-breaking runners to deeply personal tributes, this episode...

How can charities tell authentic, ethical stories through photography — without falling into harmful clichés? In this powerful episode of The Charity Show , Tim Beynon and Piers Townley sit down with Matt Mahmood-Ogston, charity CEO, photographer, and founder of the Naz and Matt Foundation, to unpack how the charity sector can move away from tired tropes and build genuine human connections through...

Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites ! Your bitesize fix of charity sector surprises— this week with egg-tra insights. Join Tim and Piers as they hop into the UK's most egg-traordinary Easter campaigns, from chocolate chaos and yarn bombing to community-led raffles and accidental fundraising triumphs. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or just here for the puns, this one’s got something for ev...

How can charities connect with young people in a noisy digital world? In this episode of The Charity Show , Tim and Piers dive into the ever-evolving world of youth engagement - and what charities need to do to truly connect with the next generation. They’re joined by Katie Bamber and Laura McIntosh, the dynamic duo behind the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’s (DofE) award-winning comms strategy, to exp...

Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites ! Your bitesize fix of charity sector surprises—quick, sharp, and packed with hidden gems. This week, Tim and Piers explore jaw-dropping discoveries made in UK charity shops in recent years, proving that treasure really can be found among the second hand books and DVDs. From a £56,000 Bible to a £1 vase worth nearly half a million, these stories show just how...

The world of digital marketing is evolving fast, and charities are under increasing pressure to keep up. In this episode, Tim and Piers sit down with Phil Aiston, Director of Digital Marketing at Manifesto, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing charities in the digital space. They discuss: The steep learning curve of digital marketing, from data analytics to social media trends. How t...

Some people run marathons, others bake cakes… and then there are those who strap a fridge to their backs or race down icy slopes in nothing but a helmet and boots! 😳 In this episode of The Charity Show Bites, Tim and Piers dive into the craziest, most extreme, and downright bizarre fundraising challenges attempted in the name of charity. From marathon-running in deep-sea diving suits to cycling a...

In this episode of The Charity Show, Tim and Piers explore the power of celebrity involvement in charity work with Zoe Conn, Fundraising and Development Director at Julian House. They discuss how personal connections can lead to impactful partnerships with high-profile figures like Dominic West and Russell Howard, helping to raise awareness and funds for crucial causes. They cover: The strategies...

Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites ! Your bitesize charity sector fix - quick, sharp, and packed with surprises between our main episodes. This week, Tim and Piers dive into the weirdest and most unexpected donations charities have ever received. From bizarre charity shop finds to a viral Tinder date disaster that led to a fundraiser, this episode proves that generosity comes in all forms—some...