In today's brand new episode, Chris Alderson (SOFEA's marketing and content assistant) has come on to share his story about how music has positively affected his mental health. Chris joined SOFEA initially as a volunteer following a challenging relationship breakdown; where he struggled with his mental health and was out of employment for 3 years. Now, Chris is working at SOFEA not only in the media department, but facilitating music sessions for the young people. Chris takes us through his journey of how at some of his darkest moments, music filled the void and became a moral compass that helped him interpret the world. email us at wellbeing@sofea.uk.com Chris' music recommendations: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1co4F2pPNH8JjTutZkmgSm?si=3BZ8Wy5OQ1-89oOhUnGZRw  

In today's brand new episode we follow Jake's journey through SOFEA—starting out as a student, building confidence, forming real connections, and eventually stepping into employment. It’s a story of growth, community, and finding your place in the world.  If you would like to support Jake's fundraiser click this link: Jake Wilkinson is fundraising for SOFEA To get in touch email us at wellbeing@sofea.uk.com    

We have a brand-new SOFEA SESSIONS SHORTHAND episode out now! In this episode, we welcome Alice Piggott (SOFEA), and Ben Drabble (CEO of Didcot TRAIN Youth), who share how they have been working in partnership to improve the wellbeing of Didcot's young people. They talk about the new partnership: The Didcot Wellbeing Web which is a new initiative of local charity partners, statutory services and businesses that are working towards the same goal.    If you have a direct query about the Didcot Wellbeing Web or any of the NxT GEN projects young people can get involved with please email: Alice@sofea.uk.com SOFEA: Enabling people to transform their lives   Or if you would like support from Didcot Train Youth, contact: info@trainyouth.org.uk TRAIN Youth | trainyouth.org.uk  

Trigger warning: This episode contains conversation about suicide, sexual and physical abuse, bullying, explicit language and traumatic themes. 18+ advised.  November is Men's Mental Health month ('Movember'), and to raise awareness, Stephen Norris bravely shares his story of how he overcame enormous amounts of trauma as a child; bullying, family breakdowns, a suicide attempt and being misplaced into a mental health facility. Despite all this, Stephen, now 63, is a successful Vistage Chair and CEO Mentor, wanting to share his story in the hope that it encourages people to ask for help when it feels like there is no way out. If you are affected by anything you hear in this episode, these organisations offer mental health and wellbeing support: Men's Minds Matter | Men's Mental Health & Suicide Charity MANUP? | MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds ------------------------------------------------ www.sofea.uk.com email us at: wellbeing@sofea.uk.com        

Today's brand new episode is with Ben Tuppen, SOFEA's Getting Oxfordshire Online Programme Manager. Today also marks to beginning of Getting Online Week; a national campaign promoting nearly 50 events around the county - at libraries, NHS, community groups and more - all helping people to learn more about and build confidence using the internet. If you a) need digital support or b) want to support this amazing programme, give this short episode a listen to find out more.  Getting Oxfordshire Online | Helping everyone get online across Oxfordshire www.sofea.uk.com  

Today’s Shorthand episode explains how SOFEA’s Nourish and Flourish programme – launched in partnership with the Didcot Primary Care Network in January 2022, addresses 3 key issues… Rising childhood obesity; since 2006, childhood obesity rates have increased by 30% nationally and in Didcot alone, by 40%. Rising chronic disease in adults. Barriers to health eating.  Dr Kerry Lock, SOFEA’s Nutritional Therapist and Nourish and Flourish Programme Manager talks about the 3 pillars of support that are addressing these issues: Nourish and Flourish School Programme (piloted in Didcot 2022 & 2023) Nourish and Flourish Nutritional Therapy Clinic (Since 2023) Nourish and Flourish Community Kitchen (launched November 2023) For more information: Nutritional Therapy Support (Didcot only) – Referral via your GP, Diabetic Nurse or Social Prescribers Via our website www.sofea.uk.com Or email Kerry@sofea.uk.com    Special thanks to all of our fabulous partners who have helped make Nourish and Flourish a success including:  Dr Rachel Ward and the Didcot PCN, Nourish and Flourish kitchen magician Alex MacKay, 8 Didcot primary schools, Replenish Oxfordshire, Didcot Garden Town, JR Hospital, JDK Restaurants, Secret Santa 365, Brendan Mullard and team from Object Space Place, our lovely builder Chris from CSN Build, Nourish and Flourish community chefs Vanessa, Maia & Jane, Magnox & South and Vale Council ,You Move, & 2 local Didcot Secondary Schools 7 Fareshare UK   Thanks also to Nathan (podcast editing support).

To celebrate Pride Month last month, Logan (he/him) has come onto the podcast to share his story about coming out as gay. In this episode, Logan, who is on SOFEA's education programme, bravely shares how coming out changed his life and how expressing himself through fashion and makeup impacts his self-confidence.  This episode references bullying, homophobia and other potentially triggering topics. There is also some strong language in this episode. If you are in need of some support, click on the links below to see what support is available in Oxfordshire. Links mentioned in the podcast: www.sofea.uk.com https://www.trainyouth.org.uk/more-services/ https://www.oxmindguide.org.uk/locationcategory/lgbtq/    

Episode 14 is with the lovely Jamie Douglas from Response organisation; talking all things neurodivergence. Previously a teacher in a secondary school, Jamie was diagnosed as Autistic aged 40, and is also a parent of a neurodivergent child, giving him a breadth of lived and professional experience. This episode covers everything from diagnosis, energy drinks, the UK education system, and even some guidance around language we should be using when talking about Autism and how to challenge unhelpful comments.    Please like, share and subscribe!

To celebrate Autism Acceptance week, we have a very special youth-led episode with CJ, Max and Mia who are all members of our Autism Advocacy Group. All three of these wonderful young people are at SOFEA on various education and employability programmes, after having struggled in the mainstream education system as Autistic young people. They each share parts of the lives, focusing on themes important to them such as friendships, social cues, sensory overload, the education system and their experiences through diagnosis.  This inspirational group continue to strive for more equality for neurodivergent people, and hope that people listening, whether you are Autistic or not will join the movement to better support and understand neurodivergent individuals! #autismacceptance  www.sofea.uk.com @sofeauk   

Trigger warning: this episode discusses men's mental health and themes around suicide.  'Because everyone needs someone in their corner’. In this month’s episode, John and Steve from @thecornermencic join us to discuss how they combine boxing and men’s mental health support. This episode covers everything from suicide prevention, myths around men’s mental health, …. oh, and The Cornermen even have a band (and merch!). Links are all below. A huge thank you to John and Steve for coming onto the #SOFEASESSIONSPODCAST, and for all the amazing work you do in South Oxfordshire. https://thecornermen.org/ Instagram: @thecornermencic  The Cornermen Band    

Episode 11 is here! Alex Mackay joins us for a walk down memory lane; through his magnificent career and how it led him to being SOFEA’s Kitchen Magician. From cooking, to community, to connection, this episode covers so much, with a few laughs along the way.    Ps. this episode does feature a tiny bit of strong language!

Episode 10 is here! Our Deputy CEO and Director of Business Innovation, Noel McCarthy has joined us to talk about why communicating our model and why it works is so important, he also reflects on his past four years at SOFEA and how this has led him to his new role, which aims to strategically connect with businesses that share our values and why this is integral to a sustainable SOFEA model, that can help more people, in better ways. If you are an individual or business wanting to support what we do please email Noel@sofea.uk.com or if you have a general inquiry about SOFEA contact info@sofea.uk.com. You can also find us at www.sofea.uk.com   

In today’s episode our Social Prescriber Link Worker Selina has come on to talk about what Social Prescribing is, why we feel it’s needed in the community and how people can access the support. At SOFEA, we work with the Didcot PCN and also in partnership with Age UK to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs, thereby enabling them to take greater control of their health and wellbeing. For more information about Social Prescribing please go to our website www.sofea.uk.com , speak to your GP or email us at Communitylink.sofea@nhs.net  Please don't forget to leave feedback, like share or subscribe! 

We are coming into our 10th year at SOFEA, so we invited our CEO Richard to reflect on lessons learnt over the last 9 years; focusing on how we can evolve and grow in the ever-changing society we live in; whilst benefiting the people in our communities.  Richard talks about the importance of working towards reducing inequalities and how our 3-year strategy is going to help us achieve that.  If you are passionate about making positive community change and want to find out more about what SOFEA's exciting plans are for the new few years, this is the episode for you.  

Today's episode is with Beth Francis, the Quality Improvement and Operations Manager at Response. Beth's professional background is in the care system, predominantly working in a children's home. In this episode Beth talks us though some of the challenges professionals and young people face and the importance of forming consistent, honest and solid relationships with 'children we care for' (also known as 'looked after children'). Beth also talks about how working with 'children we care for' influenced her behaviours and beliefs, stating that "behaviour is communication, these young people are not 'naughty' or 'bad', they are trying to get a deep need met and this is often the only way they know how".  A huge thank you to Beth for coming on to share her experiences and give valuable insight into a professional's perspective of the care system. For more information about SOFEA visit out website here or email wellbeing@sofea.uk.com  Response Organisation For advice on how to support 'children we care for' go to the NSPCC website.  

Trigger Warning: This episode goes into detail of physical and domestic abuse and may be distressing for some listeners. If you are affected by anything you hear today, the organisations listed below have been recommended by Kerry for those who need support or advice. Today's episode is with Kerry, a survivor of domestic abuse who bravely shares her story in the hope of raising awareness of the signs, ensuring victims are aware of available support, as well as offering guidance to friends and family on how they can help people who are experiencing domestic abuse. In this emotional and brave episode, Kerry talks about the events that took place in the abusive relationship she was in, and how the support of her family and friends helped her into a process of recovery and healing. Victim Support    Women's Aid  Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Services (ODAS) a2dominion  (Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire) Educational videos on domestic abuse referenced in the episode:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_UKSnXmBQA Special thanks to Kerry for this truly moving, vulnerable and inspirational conversation.  www.sofea.uk.com  Email us at wellbeing@sofea.uk.com                  

The SOFEA SESSIONS podcast brings you a brand new feature: SOFEA SESSIONS SHORTHAND episodes.  These mini-episodes will be addressing key questions that SOFEA often get asked, that highlight the way we work and why it works for many people in the community. These episodes aim to tackle challenging and innovative questions, to inspire others and enable out-of-the box thinking that may challenge harmful stereotypes or processes in our society.  In today's episode Marley Simpson, one of our one-to-one mentors at SOFEA addresses the question: 'What is SOFEA's model of behavioural change and why does it work?'. Marley talks through the power of listening to a young person, approaching 'challenging' behaviour with curiosity and compassion instead of punishment and judgement, and gives us an insight into the way he and his colleagues work with young people to enable them to have happier healthier and more meaningful lives.  To find out more about what we do at SOFEA visit our website.  Please do leave comments if you wish to give us feedback or email us at wellbeing@sofea.uk.com  

Trigger warning - this podcast episode references the following themes: Youth violence, knife crime, racism, suicidal ideation, abuse, grooming and exploitation.  Ryan Goodenough is an advocate for young people and men’s mental health. Using lived experience mixed with professional experience Ryan works as a Senior Youth Worker at Didcot TRAIN and in 2022 founded HisMind, a mental health network for men. In this episode Ryan explains his perspectives on the link between youth violence, identity and mental health. Based on lived experience, Ryan also talks about how gaps in young people’s needs may increase the risk of exploitation and involvement in crime. Passionate about re-shaping negative and harmful assumptions about young people, Ryan talks about the impact of sensationalism, racism and the media, and finally the importance of listening to young people and working alongside them. ----more---- If you are concerned about a young person at risk of exploitation or involvement in criminal activity the following organisations may be able to offer support, guidance or intervention:  The Kingfisher Team (Oxford) - 01865 309196. Targeted Youth Support Service (Oxfordshire) https://oxme.info/life/targeted-youth-support-service NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ Other organisations mentioned in the podcast:  https://www.didcottrain.org.uk/  https://www.hismind.org/ https://www.mentivity.com/ For more information or support contact wellbeing@sofea.uk.com  or visit the SOFEA website www.sofea.uk.com  

Trigger warning: this episode references depression and conversations around adoption. If you are affected by anything you hear in this episode, the organisations below are able to offer support. Today's episode features SOFEA's lovely Director of Learning and Development, Ruth, who shares her story of Adopting three children. Ruth shares her experiences of going from a family of two, to five, including the highs and lows they experienced throughout this process. Ruth also talks about her unique position of being both the parent and a teacher of adopted children and uses her knowledge from teaching and past experiences to better support parents of adopted children. Through reflecting on what she has learnt, Ruth talks about what she would have done differently to manage her own expectations and emotions throughout her journey.    Adoption Focus Oxford - 01865 822339 https://www.adoption-focus.org.uk/ Adoption UK - 0300 666 0006 https://www.adoptionuk.org/helpline Oxfordshire Mind - 01865 247788 https://www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk/ Samaritans - 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/ To contact SOFEA email wellbeing@sofea.uk.com or visit our website www.sofea.uk.com We welcome feedback on the podcast, please email us or leave feedback in the comments box.

Today's episode is with Sundus, one of our Education Mentors at SOFEA who shares her experiences of Racism in school. She talks about the impact racist comments and actions had on her behaviour, school attainment, mental health and wider family dynamics. Sundus also reflects on how being at SOFEA has changed her life, helped her to regulate her emotions and empowered her to help other young people to develop and grow. Disclaimer and trigger warning: this episode is based on personal lived experience and references abbreviated examples of discriminatory language used towards Sundus in her life. If you are concerned about racism, need to report a hate crime, or need someone to talk to, contact STOP HATE UK: https://www.stophateuk.org/about-hate-crime/helpintheuk/ 24/7 line: 07799 903 929 / Mon-Fri line: 0300 123 2220 To contact us please email wellbeing@sofea.uk.com or visit our website www.sofea.uk.com