In this episode, The Social Matters Podcast team takes you inside the launch of the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding, a two-day international event hosted by Durham University and created by Professor Carlene Firmin.

The Centre marks a new chapter in how we understand and respond to the safety of young people, recognising that protection must extend beyond the home to the spaces where adolescents spend their lives: schools, neighbourhoods, online and among peers.

Joined by a remarkable panel of guests whose collective work has shaped safeguarding policy, practice and research across the UK and beyond, this episode brings together:

Jimmy Paul, Head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and advocate for public health approaches to preventing violence.

Ben Lindsay OBE, founder and CEO of Power the Fight, community leader and social entrepreneur dedicated to tackling violence affecting young people.

Jahnine Davis, Director of ListenUp and national expert on adultification bias and the safeguarding of Black children.

Luke Billingham, youth worker and researcher focused on social infrastructure, education, and youth policy.

Aika Stephenson, solicitor and co-founder of Just for Kids Law, recognised for her pioneering work in youth justice.

Professor Carlene Firmin, founder of Contextual Safeguarding and leading researcher on adolescent safety in social contexts.

Together, these voices reflect the depth and diversity of the global movement for Contextual Safeguarding uniting research, lived experience, and frontline practice to build safer communities for adolescents everywhere.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it, leave a review, and follow. You can also find out more about the great work at the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding at https://www.contextualsafeguarding.org.uk/

In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Jade Barnett, co-founder of Power2Prevail, an organisation dedicated to empowering vulnerable young people to see that their past and present circumstances don’t define their future.

Jade’s work focuses on supporting care-experienced young people as they navigate the journey towards independence, employment and self-belief. Through mentorship, training and storytelling, Power2Prevail helps young people recognise their potential and take ownership of their next steps.

In our conversation, Jade shares what inspired her to start Power2Prevail and the real-life challenges many young people in care face when the system expects them to "adult" with limited support. 

Jade also opens up about her own journey, how her own lived experience has fuelled her passion for creating change, what empowerment really looks like in action, and why giving young people a voice in their own narratives matters so deeply.

This episode is another reminder of the importance of belonging, transformation and hope. Jade reminds us that success isn’t about where you start, but the support, courage and belief that carry you forward.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.

📲 Instagram: @power2prevail_
🌍 Website: power2prevail.co.uk

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we dive right into the Netflix series Adolescence—what it reveals about systemic issues in today’s world, the societal lessons it offers, and how it reflects the challenges of being a teenager.

Adolescence is more than just a phase; it’s a critical period of self-discovery, identity formation, and navigating systemic pressures. But how has the experience of being a teenager evolved, and what does Adolescence teach us about the ways society shapes (and often fails) young people?

Whether it’s toxic masculinity, violence against women and girls, socio-economic inequality, or the pressures of social media, we explore the unique struggles facing teenagers today—and what we can do, as individuals and as a collective, to create a more supportive world where adolescents can thrive rather than just survive.

If you’re a fan of the TV show, care about youth empowerment, and want to help shape a better future for the next generation, this episode is for you.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room.

Your favourite trio of social workers get together once again and are joined by special guest Dave Tapsell. Dave is a Social Worker, Systemic Psychotherapist and jointly wrote the article titled 'Seeking permission: an interviewing stance for finding connection with hard to reach families'. In this episode Dave provides his thoughtful and practical approach to engaging others in an ethical way through the use of permission seeking. 

With the inherent power that social workers have when coming face-to-face with families, how can we ensure that our power is use in an ethical and anti-oppressive way? This is a conversation that Nadia, Fran and Eugene were eager to reflect on. Tune in for another thought provoking and insightful episode. 

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers get together once again to have a conversation about poverty. Poverty is such a significant factor for many people in society but do we, as social workers, have enough conversations about the impact of poverty? How often is this in the forefront of our minds when we are understanding the experience of others and making decisions on their abilities?

This is a conversation that Nadia, Fran and Eugene were keen to have and to share their experience, reflections and ideas about poverty and it's role in social work. Tune in for another intriguing and informative episode. 

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers get together once again to have a conversation about the topic of 'Shame'. Shame is an invisible force that effects every person. It is present in our emotional, cognitive and physical selves but is this talked about as much as it should be? What is your understanding of shame? How may this impact on your work and/or interactions with others?

Nadia, Fran and Eugene start a conversation with no real idea of where this may go but recognise the need of sharing this conversation with others. Tune in for another intriguing and informative episode. 

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers get together once again to have a conversation about active listening. Listening sounds like quite a simple task but are we actually actively listening?

As a part of their roles as social workers Nadia, Fran and Eugene do a lot of listening to people's stories and perceptions. The reporting of these stories will inevitably involve some level of interpretation. So if they are not actively listening and demonstrating that they are then they'll end up doing their clients a disservice. Sounds tricky right?

In this episode, the trio share their experiences of actively listening to other. What tips they have learnt and what could be the possible pitfalls. Tune in for a fun, engaging and informative discussion! 

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back with a thought provoking and revealing conversation about mental health. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene discuss how they talk about mental health in their professional and personal lives.

Society has progressed over the past decades where more and more people are having conversations about mental health. There is more of an awareness in mainstream media and on social media. However, to some extent, there remains a stigma attached to mental health and talking about it. 

How comfortable are you in talking about your mental health with friends, family, colleagues? Do you struggle to find the language or know how to respond? Join Nadia, Fran and Eugene to hear some of their own struggles and successes. This is one episode not to be missed!

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back with episode eight of season two. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene talk about the notion of Curiosity and what this looks like in the context of their work and every day lives. 

Nadia, Fran and Eugene discuss curiosity as a stance or way of being that can allow for someone to learn more about other's circumstances and respond in a way that best fits the situation. But what does this look like in reality? 

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back with episode seven of this new season. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene talk about Mentalization, a technique used in social work practice. The ability to understand your own mind and the mind of others sounds like a complicated task! However, there is a way. Tune in to hear Nadia, Fran and Eugene discuss their understanding and how this can be used in every day life.

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are here with episode 6 of season 2.  In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene are joined by social worker, family therapist and author Nick Pendry to have a conversation about Race. Nick has years of experience working with people from different racial backgrounds and has written about Race, Racism and supervision. In this episode, Nick joins the dynamic trio in conversation and provides his expertise on how to have a conversation about Race. This powerful and enlightening episode is one not to be missed

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast.

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are here with episode 5 of season 2.  In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene have a conversation about their relationship with celebrations in their personal and professional lives with a particular focus on celebrating social work. They interview special guest and founder of the Social Worker of the Year awards, Beverley Williams MBE. How much thought do you give to celebrations? Is it the same in your personal and professional lives? Nadia, Fran and Eugene discuss these questions and many more so tune in and join the discussion!

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast.

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are here with the fourth instalment of season 2.  In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene have a conversation about Attachment in social work. In this episode there is a special feature from Attachment theory expert Professor David Shemmings who brings a wealth of knowledge to this conversation.  This is an episode relevant for social workers and non-social workers so tune in!

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast.

In this episode, we delve into multidirectional solidarity—what it means, why it’s essential, and how it can drive real change, especially in the face of challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As Donald Trump and others seek to roll back these efforts, we explore why standing together across different minoritised groups is more important than ever.

From the power of allyship to the necessity of intersectional activism, we discuss how communities can resist division and continue pushing for justice. We also talk about the importance of hope—how maintaining it fuels long-term change and keeps us engaged in the fight for equity.

Through real-world examples, historical context, and personal reflections, we unpack what true solidarity looks like, why it must go beyond single-issue activism, and what we can all do to ensure no one is left behind in the struggle for justice.

If you care about social justice, DEI, and collective liberation, this episode is for you.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back with the third instalment of this new season. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene talk about 'asking questions' in social work. Questions can be used to gather information, to increase understanding and to help create change. Every question asked has a 'life' and and 'after life' when it come to social work and general life. When asking a question, what is the intent behind your question? How is your question understood by the person being asked? Tune in to hear this very interesting and thought provoking conversation between Nadia, Fran and Eugene.

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back again with the second instalments of season 2.  In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene have another conversation about Contextual Safeguarding but this time they are joined by their very first guest; Contextual Safeguarding guru Dr Carlene Firmin. Carlene discusses what Contextual Safeguarding is, how the idea was created and how it is progressing in the field of social work.

This fun and highly informative episode is one not to be missed as Carlene fits right in with your favourite trio! 

To join the Contextual Safeguarding network and to find out more, you can go to their website at www.contextualsafeguarding.org.uk. You can also follow Carlene on twitter @carlenefirmin.

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast .

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back again with a brand new season of topical discussions. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene talk about 'change'. The changes they have made since the first season and creating change in their social work practice. How does change happen? How is change sustained? How can we empower others to sustain positive change? These are some of the questions Nadia, Fran and Eugene attempt to answer. Tune in to hear their thoughts and join the conversation! 

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back again for the final episode of season one. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene take a look back on this first season and their journey as "amateur podcasters." This first season has been full of conversation and debate. Nadia, Fran and Eugene discuss which episode was their favourite, technical glitches, the future of the podcast and so much more. Tune in to join the party!

As always, if you enjoy then please share with your friends and follow them on social media! 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back again for another topical discussion. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene talk about their experience of working with men in social work. This is often a topic of conversation in our profession. How do we work effectively to ensure men are included in our work. What's your experience of working with men? How would you rate yourself out of ten? What tips do you have for how to work more effectively with men? These are some of the questions Nadia, Fran and Eugene will be discussing in this episode. Tune in to hear their thoughts and join the conversation! 

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social/social work issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back again for another topical discussion. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene talk about their experience of working with the professional network. "Working together" is a term used in social work but what does that actually mean or look like in action? What are the benefits and constraints? These are some of the questions that Nadia, Fran and Eugene discuss in this insightful episode.  Tune in to hear their thoughts and join the conversation! 

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio are back again for another topical discussion. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene begin to have a conversation about race. This is likely to be the first of many conversations about race. Nadia, Fran and Eugene discuss their person and professional experiences which have influenced their understanding of race. How easy or difficult is it to have a conversation about race? Are you all in, avoid it completely or somewhere between? When working with a racially diverse community, this is a topic on a social worker's radar!  Tune in to hear their thoughts and join the conversation! 

If you enjoy this episode then share it with your friends and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back again for another topical discussion. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene talk about their experience of having difficult conversations in their social work careers. How do you share difficult news? How do you deal with difficult responses? What would you do differently? These are some of the questions that Nadia, Fran and Eugene discuss in this insightful episode.  Tune in to hear their thoughts and join the conversation! 

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back again for another topical discussion. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene talk about their experience of supervision and support. What does good supervision look like? What does not so good supervision look like? Where else can you get the support you need? Social work and its competing demands can place emotional and physical pressure on all involved. The opportunity to discuss this with managers and peers is how social workers feel supported. But can this be a reality? Tune in and hear the thoughts of Nadia, Fran and Eugene.

If you enjoy this episode then share with your friends and follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. 

Your favourite trio of social workers are back again for another topical discussion. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene talk about professional boundaries in their work. This may prove to be a difficult topic with difference in opinions from the trio and social workers far and wide but do we explicitly talk about this enough in our profession? Not only what we can and cannot do but what about the grey areas? Have you ever hugged a client? Have you ever accepted a gift? Have you ever shared if you have children? Tune in to hear about their experiences!

If you enjoy this podcast then share with your friends and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

In this episode, we sit down with Jahnine Davis to explore adultification—what it is, how it impacts children, specifically Black children, and why it’s a crucial issue we need to address. From being perceived as older than they are to facing harsher expectations and reduced protections, adultification bias shapes the way Black children experience education, social care, and the justice system.

Jahnine brings her expertise and lived experience to unpack how adultification manifests, the long-term effects it has on young people, the influence of racism and what we can do to challenge these harmful narratives. Through real-life examples, research insights, and practical strategies, we discuss what we can do to advocate for Black children to be seen, protected, and supported as who they truly are—children.

If you’re passionate about social justice, child protection, or simply want to understand this issue more deeply, this episode is essential listening.

Tune in, share, comment, and join the conversation.

You can find more about Jahnine's brilliant work at www.listenupresearch.org 

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. 

In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene have a discussion about self-care in social work. Taking care of yourself in social work is essential in order to care for others but we often do not prioritise ourselves as much as we should. What are the obstacles to prioritising your self and how can we think more about overcoming these? Tune in to hear the thoughts of this dynamic trio and listen out for the new segment titled "social work voices" where we hear the opinions of different social workers on this topic. 

If you enjoy this podcast then share with your friends, share your opinion and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. 

In this episode Nadia, Eugene and Fran have a discussion about "use of self" and how they us themseleves in practice. In a caring profession it's important to show you care whilst ensuring that boundaries are not crossed. A grey area? Nadia, Eugene and Fran thought so too and decided to have a chat about it! Tune in to hear the thoughts of this dynamic trio and listen out for the brand new segment titled "social work voices" where we hear the opinions of different social workers. 

If you enjoy this podcast then share with your friends, share your opinion and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. 

This is the first episode of the new year (2019) so Nadia, Eugene and Fran decide to have a discussion about hope in social work. In such a challenging profession how do social workers remain hopeful and how do social workers help children and families to remain hopeful?  Tune in to hear the thoughts of this dynamic trio!

If you enjoy then share with your friends and follow them on Facebook, Instagram or twitter!

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. In the second of a two part series, Nadia, Eugene and Fran have a discussion about the importance of Endings in social work. Whether it's meeting new families, entering family homes or starting relationships with the professional network, how we end is significant for the people we work with and also for us. How do you do endings in your personal life and professional life? Come and join the discussion, laughter and random singing. Listen until the very end as there is a bonus clip :)

 As always, let them know your thoughts and share with your networks! 

Stay tuned for part 2 where they'll be discussing Endings!

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. In the first of a two part series, Nadia, Eugene and Fran have a discussion about the importance of beginnings in social work. Whether it's meeting new families, entering family homes or starting relationships with the professional network, how we begin is significant in shaping the future working relationship. Come and join the discussion, laughter and anecdotes! As always, let them know your thoughts and share with your networks! 

Stay tuned for part 2 where they'll be discussing Endings!

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. In this episode Nadia, Eugene and Fran have a discussion about the power of language in social work and how it contributes to constructing meaning. Join the discussion, laughter and routine singing! Like, share and continue conversation.

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social work issues from their front room. Following on from the diversity discussion in episode 4, Nadia, Eugene and Fran expand the conversation to discuss the notion of Reflexivity in social work. This involves thinking about who they are as people and what they bring to their social work. This all makes for another interesting conversation with laughter and some pretty low quality levels of singing. Sorry in advance! 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. In this episode Nadia, Eugene and Fran have a discussion about diversity using the 'Social GGRRAAACCEEESSS' (Gender, Geography, Race, Religion, Age, Ability, Appearance, Class, Culture, Education, Ethnicity, Employment, Sexuality, Sexual Orientation, Spirituality) an acronym developed by John Burnham and Alison Roper-Hall to help us think about aspects of difference. In this episode Nadia, Eugene and Fran discuss the 'Social GGRRAAACCEEEESSS' in relation to themselves and their social work practice. 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. In this episode Nadia, Eugene and Fran have a discussion about the notion of Contextual Safeguarding in social work. Contextual Safeguarding is an approach to protecting children and young people from harm which may take place outside of their homes. If you want to find out more then click the link below and look up the work of Dr Carlene Firmin.

https://contextualsafeguarding.org.uk 

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. In this two-part episode Nadia, Eugene and Fran firstly discuss how social workers are represented in the media and how this may differ from their reality of social work. In the second half Nadia, Eugene and Fran discuss the rise of knife crime in London. These all make for some interesting and intriguing discussions.

In this episode, we talk about working with reluctance and resistance—what it means, why it happens, and how to navigate it effectively. Whether it’s resistance to change in the workplace, hesitation in professional relationships, or challenges in team dynamics, reluctance can create barriers to progress.

We explore the reasons behind resistance, the emotional and psychological factors at play, and strategies to work more effectively with those who may be reluctant to adapt. Through personal experiences, reflections, and practical advice, we offer insights on how to foster collaboration, build trust, and create a more open and adaptable work environment.

If you’ve ever faced resistance—whether from colleagues, teams, or even within yourself—this episode will give you the tools and perspectives to approach it with confidence and clarity.

Tune in, share, comment, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

Three friends that happen to be social workers discuss current social issues from their front room. In this episode Nadia, Eugene and Fran talk about their journey into social work and how the podcast was created. 

In this episode, we explore the crucial work of building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture with Louise Oliver, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Lead at the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).

From systemic barriers to meaningful progress, we unpack the challenges and opportunities in making maternity and parenting support more inclusive. Louise shares insights into the work already happening, the impact it’s making, and her hopes for the future.

We discuss why equity and inclusion matter, how organisations can drive real change, and what we can all do to create more welcoming spaces for every parent and family.

If you're passionate about building a more inclusive culture—both inside and outside the workplace—this episode is for you. Find out more about Louise's work and the work of the NCT at https://www.nct.org.uk/ 

Tune in, share, comment, and join the conversation.

📢 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💬 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked yet pervasive issue of ageism—the bias that can lead to stereotyping and discrimination based on a person’s age. Whether it’s subtle remarks about being “too young” to lead or assumptions that older workers can’t keep up with technology, ageism affects people across the spectrum and shapes workplace dynamics in ways we may not even realise.

We explore why this topic is so important, how ageism manifests in the workplace, and what we can all do to foster a more inclusive culture. From personal stories to practical advice, we discuss what ageism means to us, how it can impacts confidence, and share insights on how to challenge these biases for the benefit of everyone.

No matter where you are in your career, if you are keen to support the creation of a diverse and inclusive team, this episode will help you better understand ageism and empower you to contribute to a more age-inclusive environment.

Tune in, share, comment and join the conversation.

Instagram: @matterspodcast
LinkedIn: Social Matters
Website: socialmatters.org.uk 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, PEOPLE!

In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by the brilliant Lisa Zaranyika. Lisa is a Social Worker, Educator, Anti-Racist activist, and currently the Director of Community and Culture at Young Minds.

We delve into Lisa’s Anti-Racist activism within social work and beyond. She shares her experiences in grassroots organising, her involvement with the Anti-Racist Movement (A.R.M), and reflects on the personal toll this crucial work can take. Lisa also offers her hopes and visions for the future of anti-racism efforts.

Curious about how you can contribute to creating a more equitable landscape? This episode is a fantastic introduction to the ongoing work in social change and provides inspiration on how you can play your part.

Tune in, join the conversation, and share this episode with your peers!

You can connect with Lisa and follow her work here:

LinkedIn: Lisa Zaranyika
Instagram: @antiracistmovement

If you found this episode insightful, please share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media channels.

You can also reach out to us on Instagram (@MattersPodcast) and LinkedIn (Social Matters), or visit our website at www.socialmatters.org.uk for more information about our work.

In this episode, we delve into the nuances of feedback conversations and their vital role in personal and professional growth. Feedback has the potential to strengthen relationships, foster understanding, and drive positive change—when delivered and received with care. We explore how effective feedback can encourage reflection, whilst poorly handled feedback can create barriers and hinder progress.

Curious about how to navigate these often challenging conversations with confidence and empathy? Then this is the episode for you. From strategies to ensure feedback is constructive and meaningful, to tips on receiving it with grace, we unpack the art of turning feedback into a transformative tool for development and connection.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.

Interested in working with Social Matters? Get in touch! Visit us at www.socialmatters.org.uk for more information.

🌟 WOW, WOW, and WOW! This is an episode you cannot miss.

We had the incredible privilege of sitting down with Amy Butterworth, an Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant who is making waves in the world of workplace accessibility. Amy shares her inspiring journey, including her lived experiences with Long Covid, and provides invaluable insights on how we can all contribute to creating more inclusive and accessible environments for everyone.

Want to learn more about Amy and her impactful work?
📱 Follow her on Instagram: @longcovidrockstar
💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Amy Butterworth

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to comment, share, follow us on social media and continue the conversations.

🎧 Tune in now!

In this episode, we explore how language shapes our thinking and influences the contexts we live in. Words have the power to foster inclusion, build bridges, or erect barriers. We discuss how intentional, inclusive language can promote belonging and empower communities, while negative language can exclude, discriminate, and undermine the progression of anti-oppressive practices. By examining how words construct meaning and reflect societal values, we emphasise the importance of greater mindfulness in everyday conversations.

Interested in actionable strategies for nurturing environments of respect and inclusion? Then this is the episode of you. From reframing biased narratives to promoting affirming dialogue, we unpack how language can be a transformative tool for fostering connection.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.

Interested in working with Social Matters? Get in touch! Visit us at www.socialmatters.org.uk for more information.

We’re back with a brand new episode of the Social Matters Podcast! Released just two days after World Mental Health Day, this conversation explores into a topic of loneliness.

What does loneliness really mean? How does it show up in our lives, our work and our communities? In this episode, we explore the many faces of loneliness, from the quiet, passing moments of disconnection to the deeper, more enduring experiences that can affect our wellbeing.

We talk about why loneliness can be so hard to discuss, even though it’s such a common part of being human. Together, we unpack the stigma that surrounds it, the challenges of naming what we feel and the small but powerful ways we can help ourselves and others feel more connected.

This episode is a reminder that loneliness isn’t a weakness, it’s a signal of our need for meaningful connection that's important for us.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we dive into the all-too-relatable experience of Imposter Syndrome—the fear that others will eventually uncover your perceived weaknesses and question your competence in the same way you do. This self-doubt often comes with a tendency to misattribute hard-won successes to external, random, or undeserved factors.

We explore why this topic is so important, how imposter syndrome impacts us in the workplace, and what others can do to support those navigating their own struggles with it.

Whether you're new to a role, experienced in your profession, someone who supports others in the workplace, or just trying to quiet that voice of self-doubt, this episode will help you see imposter syndrome from a fresh perspective.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.

Interested in working with Social Matters? Get in touch! Visit us at www.socialmatters.org.uk for more information.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly inspiring Ben Lindsay OBE. As the CEO of the award-winning charity Power the Fight, Ben is dedicated to empowering communities to end violence affecting young people. He shares his experiences leading this impactful organisation, discussing the effects of race and racism, the realities of operating with trauma, and his vision for meaningful change. 

This is a powerful conversation you won’t want to miss! To learn more about the remarkable work of Power the Fight, visit www.powerthefight.org.uk and follow them on social media.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on social media. Interested in working with Social Matters? Get in touch! Visit us at www.socialmatters.org.uk for more information.

Welcome to Season 7 of the Social Matters Podcast! After a refreshing summer break, we're back just in time for winter, ready to bring you insightful conversations, valuable knowledge, and a bit of fun along the way.

In this first episode of the season, we dive into the topic of inclusivity. We explore what inclusivity means to us and discuss how organisations and teams can foster truly inclusive environments.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on social media. Interested in working with Social Matters? Get in touch! Visit us at www.socialmatters.org.uk for more information.

FINAL EPISODE OF THE SEASON!!!!! 

We've come to the end of another road. Our 6th season goes out with a bang! In this episode, your favourite trio of social workers talk about how Introducing Difference can help to create change. This episode is full of fun, laughter, intrigue and hopefully some helpful knowledge for you.

Thank you for your support this season. We hope you've enjoyed our content. Have a great summer and we'll be back again in the autumn with some brand new conversations for you all!

If you  enjoy this episode then please share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast.

You can also watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjoTfKwtL-8

In this episode, your favourite trio of social workers are joined by the brilliant Emma Slade Edmondson. Emma is the co-author of a brand new book 'The Half Of It'. Emma is a London-base creative strategist, journalist and recent TEDx speaker - she specialises in social change and sustainability. 

In her debut book, along with co-author Nicole Ocran, Emma explores race and identity through the lens of the mixed race experience. Emma joined us to share her thoughts, reflections and perspective on writing this book. 

Pre-order the book here: https://amzn.eu/d/0GVq0Ws
Learn more about Emma: https://www.emmasladeedmondson.com

Tune in to watch/listen to this powerful and enlightening conversation. If you enjoy then please share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on X, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel! Remember to continue these conversations in your networks!
 
 https://www.youtube.com/@thesocialmatterspodcast9342

This episode is an absolute banger!

Your favourite trio of social workers were join by the brilliant Luke Billingham.

Luke is a Youth and Community worker, Research Associate and Author and joined the Social Matters Podcast to discuss his work and perspective on youth violence. In a society where many people hold a narrow understanding of youth violence, Luke shares his experience and wisdom to help reframe perspectives.

There were so many golden nuggets in this episode so we hope you enjoy. Tune in to listen to this  conversation and please share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on X, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel! Remember to continue these conversations in your networks!

To learn more about Luke's work, click the links below.

More info about Luke and Keir's book Against Youth Violence at:

https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/against-youth-violence

https://www.hackneyquest.org.uk/programmes/hackney-wick (more info about projects Luke has  co-led in Hackney Wick: 

https://www.open.ac.uk/people/lb28572 (Bio & publications list:)

https://changingviolence.org/ (Project Luke is a Research Associate on)

Twitter/X: @lbilli91