The Youth Social Podcast

Steven reflects on his journey of self-care, starting in his mid-20s when he faced anxiety due to life changes. Looking back Steven wishes he hadn't prioritised his physical health over his mental health.  Instead, he turned to high-intensity gym training to manage stress due to a number of life transitions, but later developed back and shoulder issues, leading him to yoga. He discovered yoga seve...

Gerry, a former football player, transitioned to the construction industry after a serious injury in his early 20s. He discussed the mental health challenges he faced during this period and how yoga has been beneficial for his well-being, particularly after a knee injury led to a full replacement. Gerry emphasises the importance of exercise and self-care for managing stress and mental health. He h...

Steve shares his journey with alcohol addiction, starting at age 14, and how it escalated to a crisis point around 2015. He self-medicated to escape anxiety and lack of self-worth, exacerbated by growing up with an alcoholic father. His recovery began with yoga and meditation in rehab, which transformed his life. Now in recovery for five years, Steve helps others, retrained as a sound healing prac...

Richard discusses his journey with ADHD, starting from his teenage years when he struggled with concentration and focus, particularly during exams. He found relief in yoga, which he started only recently, despite initially being apprehensive due to its perceived female-dominated nature. Richard shares how ADHD affected his sports performance, especially in golf, and his career, where he procrastin...

Ian discusses his journey with mental health, triggered by a severe neck injury 20 years ago that threatened his active lifestyle. Initially hesitant about yoga due to its female-dominated reputation, he found it beneficial for posture, core strength, and breathing. Yoga helped him manage stress and anxiety, providing a calming effect. Ian emphasised the importance of being open to new activities...

Gareth shared his experience of adopting yoga and rock climbing as forms of self-care to manage stress from a demanding job at a large international company. Initially hesitant, he was encouraged by his wife and found relief in yoga sessions, which helped calm their mind and provide a supportive community. Rock climbing, a sport they've practiced since childhood, also offered a mental escape and p...

For our podcast 'Exploring Careers in Textiles', host Graham Sykes is joined by Julia Roebuck, Careers Manager for Woven and Scott Clayton, Careers Adviser at C+K. During the podcast, Julie discusses how she got into the textile sector, how her own Upcycled Fashion brand is reducing waste and why the textile sector is a still a viable industry to have a successful career.   This podcast was produc...

For our podcast 'Exploring Careers in Theatre', host Graham Sykes is joined by Rebecca Winwood, Head of Participation at Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield and Scott Clayton, Careers Adviser at C+K. During the podcast, Rebecca discusses how she got into the industry, the barriers she has overcome and her top tips for anyone who wants to get to the theatre sector.   This podcast was produced b...

For our podcast 'Exploring Careers in Music', host Graham Sykes is joined by professional musician Richard Kimmings, Sophie Cooper, the learning and participation manager for Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and Scott Clayton, Careers Adviser at C+K. During the podcast, guests discuss how they achieved a career in music, the barriers they have overcome and their top tips for anyone who wan...

For our podcast 'Exploring Careers in Film & TV', host Graham Sykes is joined by top hair, makeup and prosthetics designer Melanie Lenihan and Amy Hesselgrove, Careers Adviser at C+K. During the podcast, Melanie discusses how she got into the film industry, some of the blockbusters she has worked on, the barriers she has overcome and her top tips for anyone who wants to get to the film and TV...

For our podcast 'Exploring Careers in Visual Arts', host Graham Sykes is joined by successful illustrator Pete O'Toole and Scott Clayton, Careers Adviser at C+K. Pete talks about how he became a successful illustrator. From drawing as a child, through to working with some of his dream clients, Pete gives an honest view on what it's like working in the sector and his top tips if you want to a caree...

Louis was taken into care as a small child. Listen as he talks about his positive time in care and what he believes is the secret to a successful placement.   Thank you to The National Lottery Community Grants for funding this project and making it possible for young people in care to share their experienced. https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/   If you are affected by any of the issues discussed...

Josh H has had a mixed time in care – whilst his placement has been a good experience, he has been separated from his younger brother(s) which has caused a number of personal challenges. Listen and hear what he is cooking for his future.   Thank you to The National Lottery Community Grants for funding this project and making it possible for young people in care to share their experienced. https://...

Odette was taken into care as a baby and has spent her entire life in the care system. Listen as she documents her life in care, how Covid saved her life and how she is now thriving at university.     Thank you to The National Lottery Community Grants for funding this project and making it possible for young people in care to share their experienced. https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/   If you a...

Matt was made homeless as a teen as struggles at college put pressures on his family unit. Listen to his experience and how he is rebuilding his life now he has the security of his own flat.   Thank you to The National Lottery Community Grants for funding this project and making it possible for young people in care to share their experienced. https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/   If you are affec...

Sophie was taken into care as a teenager. Listen as she talks honestly about going missing and getting kicked out of school and college, and how she has turned her live around and is now at university.   Thank you to The National Lottery Community Grants for funding this project and making it possible for young people in care to share their experienced. https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/   If yo...

Josh P has overcome a number of issues whilst in care. Listen as he talks honestly about how he dealt with the many challenges in his life.   Thank you to The National Lottery Community Grants for funding this project and making it possible for young people in care to share their experienced. https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/   If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this podcast...

On the eve of a general election, Youth Social have been working with three students at Brooksbank Sixth Form in Calderdale to look at how youth voices can be heard by local councillors and civic leaders and used to influence decision making. To help communicate the views of young people, the students have produced this podcast. They created a questionnaire which was completed by sixth form and ye...

In our series looking at Youth Volunteering, we catch up with Benita.    Benita studied Architecture in India and is studying a Masters in Interior Design at the University of Huddersfield.    Listen to her story as she explains how volunteering is helping her gain experience in the creative sector and building important networks.    In addition, the podcast also covers:  How she found out about t...

In our series looking at Youth Volunteering, we catch up with Luke.    Luke is at the University of Huddersfield studying Film Studies.   Listen to his story as he explains how volunteering is helping him learn new skills and gain experience related to his course & career aspirations.    In addition, the podcast also covers:  The type of volunteering he has been doing Some of the additional sk...

In our series looking at Youth Volunteering, we catch up with Iqra.    Iqra is 24 and is a retail manager in Huddersfield.   Listen to her story as he explains how volunteering is helping her manage her mental health and meet new people.    In addition, the podcast also covers:  How she found a flexible opportunity that fitted around her job The type of volunteering she has been doing Some of the...

In the last of our studio-based youth volunteering podcasts, we speak to a group of five six-form students - Holly, Joshua, Ruben, Annie and Zara - to explore what makes a good opportunity and what teens and young adults are looking for in a volunteering role. You can find out more about volunteering by visiting the TSL Kirklees website www.tslkirklees.org.uk or search ‘volunteering opportunities...

In this episode we speak to the people and organisations that offer youth volunteering opportunities to find out what they are looking for from young volunteers. We meet Louise Sykes from Locala who offer healthcare opportunities, Chris Newberry from the Kirkwood who care for people towards the end of their life, Julie Peel who manages opportunities for Kirklees Libraries, and finally Daisy Whitby...

Graham continues interviewing young volunteers to find out what it’s like to volunteer.  In this episode he speaks to Martha at Uniform Exchange -  an organisation that provide school clothes for people unable to buy new, Omar and Freya at Fresh Futures – who provide support for families and then finally he meets a group of young people who have been getting a taste of volunteering through the Fut...

For this episode Verity and Katie kick Graham out of the studio to go and interview young volunteers in their place of work. We speak to Alfie who volunteers in the A&E department at Dewsbury Hospital, Mariam who works in a library and Finley & Estelle who are working as in-patient volunteers at the Kirkwood. You can find out more about volunteering by visiting the TSL Kirklees website www...