Afternoon Tea

About Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is a mental health and wellbeing podcast created for young people, by young people across Bedfordshire and beyond. The series provides a safe, welcoming space for honest conversations about mental health, identity, and the real-life challenges young people face today. Inspired by the tradition of a British afternoon tea — sitting down with a drink, a biscuit, and a friend — each episode invites guests to share open, raw, and unfiltered conversations in a relaxed setting. Episodes are “tea-length”, lasting roughly 20–40 minutes, determined by the time it takes the guests to finish their tea or coffee. The podcast explores mental health through different perspectives, cultures, genders, and life experiences, connecting personal stories with wider conversations happening in the world — from community issues and current events to news and social media. Guests include young people with lived experience, wellbeing advocates, and mental health specialists, creating space for meaningful dialogue between generations. We recognise that these topics can be challenging and sensitive. That’s why Afternoon Tea is built on respect, honesty, and listening — encouraging empathy, understanding, and stronger connections within communities. Produced in partnership with Youth Television CIC and local organisations, the project aims to help young people feel heard, supported, and empowered, while contributing to positive conversations about mental health and wellbeing across Bedfordshire. Sometimes, meaningful change begins with something as simple as a cup of tea and a conversation. Join our hosts/baristas: Bella Brown, Lisa Mulaku & Krish Gupta in the café to spill the tea!

Publisher

YouthTV

Category

education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Mar 2026

Latest episode

30 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Mar 2026

   The Corner: Masculinity, emotional expression, and men’s mental health | Wade Wilson

   In this episode of Afternoon Tea, we explore masculinity, emotional expression, and men’s mental health. With our two hosts/baristas, Krish and Bella, we spill the tea with our guest, Wade Wilson, Founder of X-4RCE CIC. Together, we unpack how the foundations laid in adolescence can shape how boys and young men understand themselves, express emotions, and respond to pressure. Through an open and honest conversation, we reflect on how many boys are taught to suppress their feelings, often growing up without safe outlets to process emotions. We explore how this can lead to pent-up mental health struggles that may present as anger, and how, without support, this can impact families, women, and children – highlighting both the need for protection and the importance of recognising these behaviours as a cry for help. With a safeguarding lens, we also discuss the importance of boundaries, consent, and early intervention, alongside creating safe spaces where boys and men feel able to speak, be heard, and access support before harm occurs. 🎧 What You’ll Get from This Episode: Insight into how early experiences and societal expectations shape boys’ emotional development and how breaking these patterns can build empathy Understanding of how suppressed emotions and unmet mental health needs can manifest, in boys and young men, as anger Honest discussion about the impact this can have on families, women, and children, and the importance of safeguarding Reflections on challenging harmful stereotypes around masculinity and promoting healthier emotional expression Practical guidance on creating safe spaces, encouraging open conversations, and accessing early support Tune in, grab a cuppa, take a breath, and join the conversation with us on Afternoon Tea. 💡 Whether you’re a young person, parent, or just curious, we welcome you to start your journey with us to get insights, understanding, and tools you can use right away. Afternoon Tea is a podcast dedicated to honest conversations around mental health, wellbeing, and the experiences that shape us. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of mental health, suicide, abuse, and emotional distress. New to the café? Enjoyed the episode? Follow us @afternoonteatv on Instagram Or check us out on www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea (http://www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea) A massive thank you to our funders: Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner

2. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Communal Harmony: Trust in policing and professional services | Hayley Brown

   In this episode of Afternoon Tea, we explore trust in services and systems, and how mental health challenges can affect engagement and reporting. With our two hosts/baristas, Lisa and Krish, we spill the tea with our guest, Hayley Brown, CEO of Link To Change. Together, we unpack the barriers that can make it difficult for individuals and communities to seek help, and how these challenges can impact trust in services, including policing. Through an open and empathetic conversation, we reflect on the importance of understanding lived experiences and creating environments where people feel safe, heard, and supported. Drawing on community outreach insight, we explore how trust can be built over time through consistent, compassionate engagement, and why empathy-led approaches are key to strengthening relationships between the public and professionals. We also discuss how local policing and services can respond more sensitively to mental health needs, focusing on prevention, care, and community understanding. By amplifying community voices, we highlight how systems can evolve to better reflect and support the people they serve. 🎧 What You’ll Get from This Episode: Insight into how mental health challenges can act as barriers to engagement and reporting Understanding of how trust in services is built through empathy, consistency, and community connection Honest discussion about the importance of listening to lived experiences and creating safe spaces Reflections on how policing and services can adopt more compassionate, prevention-focused approaches Practical ideas for amplifying community voices and shaping more responsive, supportive systems Tune in, grab a cuppa, take a breath, and join the conversation with us on Afternoon Tea. 💡 Whether you’re a young person, parent, or just curious, we welcome you to start your journey with us to get insights, understanding, and tools you can use right away. Afternoon Tea is a podcast dedicated to honest conversations around mental health, wellbeing, and the experiences that shape us. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of mental health, substance abuse, exploitation and emotional wellbeing. New to the café? Enjoyed the episode? Follow us @afternoonteatv on Instagram Or check us out on www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea (http://www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea) A massive thank you to our funders: Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner

3. 

   23 Mar 2026

   Bridging the Divide: Living and learning through our experiences | Bella Brown

   In this episode of Afternoon Tea, we explore accessing help and support, and how understanding mental health shapes trust in policing and professional services. With our hosts/baristas, Lisa, Bella and Krish, we spill the tea on the importance of open communication between young people and professionals, and how trust is built – or broken – through these interactions. Through an honest and thoughtful conversation, we hear young people’s perspectives alongside reflections on what helps create empathy, understanding, and meaningful support. We explore the barriers that can make it difficult to speak up, and how safe, supportive dialogue can help bridge the gap between young people and those there to protect and support them. With a focus on real-world impact, we also discuss how professionals – including police and school staff – can respond more sensitively to mental health needs, and what it takes to help women and girls feel safe in their communities, whether out with friends or alone. 🎧 What You’ll Get from This Episode: Insight into how mental health awareness and communication shape trust in policing and support services Understanding of young people’s experiences and what helps build empathy and connection Honest discussion about barriers to speaking up and how to overcome them through supportive conversations Reflections on how professionals can respond more sensitively to mental health needs Practical ideas for building safer communities where women and girls feel confident and supported Tune in, grab a cuppa, take a breath, and join the conversation with us on Afternoon Tea. 💡 Whether you’re a young person, parent, or just curious, we welcome you to start your journey with us to get insights, understanding, and tools you can use right away. Afternoon Tea is a podcast dedicated to honest conversations around mental health, wellbeing, and the experiences that shape us. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of mental health, sexual exploitation, drugs, policing and emotional wellbeing. New to the café? Enjoyed the episode? Follow us @afternoonteatv on Instagram Or check us out on www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea (http://www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea) A massive thank you to our funders: Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner

4. 

   22 Mar 2026

   Confidence and Conditions: Identity, belonging, and the pressures that shape confidence and decision-making | Tyrrel Clara

   In this episode of Afternoon Tea, we explore identity, belonging, and the pressures that shape confidence and decision-making in young people. With our two hosts/baristas, Lisa and Bella, we spill the tea with our guest, Tyrrel Clara, Co-Founder of Everyone’s Gang. Together, we unpack the realities behind serious violence and exploitation, and how trauma, fear, anxiety, and unmet mental health needs can increase vulnerability to harm. Through a powerful and honest conversation, we reflect on the influence of environment, and the deep human need to belong. Hearing lived perspectives, we explore how young people can be drawn into unsafe situations, often without recognising the risks, and what supportive adults can do to better listen, understand, and guide them. 🎧 What You’ll Get from This Episode: Insight into how identity, belonging, and confidence influence young people’s choices Understanding of how trauma, anxiety, and unmet needs can increase vulnerability to exploitation Honest discussion about the impact of social media, desensitisation to violence, and environmental pressures Practical reflections on setting boundaries, recognising risk factors, and supporting young people with empathy Positive approaches to building confidence, emotional literacy, and healthier pathways forward Tune in, grab a cuppa, take a breath, and join the conversation with us on Afternoon Tea. 💡 Whether you’re a young person, parent, or just curious, we welcome you to start your journey with us to get insights, understanding, and tools you can use right away. Afternoon Tea is a podcast dedicated to honest conversations around mental health, wellbeing, and the experiences that shape us. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of serious violence, exploitation, trauma, drugs and emotional distress. New to the café? Enjoyed the episode? Follow us @afternoonteatv on Instagram Or check us out on www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea (http://www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea) A massive thank you to our funders: Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner

5. 

   16 Mar 2026

   There's Truth In Tea: Social media, self-esteem, and youth voice | Paddy Crump

   In this episode of Afternoon Tea, we dive into a conversation about social media, self-esteem, and youth voice. Joined by our guest, Paddy Crump, Campaigns and Content Lead at FlippGen, your hosts/baristas, Bella and Lisa spill the tea on how listening to young people’s experiences can help shape more compassionate and supportive systems. From the impact of social media on confidence and identity to the importance of creating safe spaces for young people to be heard, this episode highlights how youth insight and professional guidance can work together to build better support. 🎧 What You’ll Get from This Episode: Insight into how social media can affect confidence and self-perception Honest discussion about the importance of listening to young people’s experiences Reflections on creating supportive environments that help young people feel heard and understood Tune in, grab a cuppa, take a breath, and join the conversation with us on Afternoon Tea. 💡 Whether you’re a young person, parent, or just curious, we welcome you to start your journey with us to get insights, understanding, and tools you can use right away. Afternoon Tea is a podcast dedicated to honest conversations around mental health, wellbeing, and the experiences that shape us. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of mental health, self-esteem, and the pressures of social media. New to the café? Enjoyed the episode? Follow us @afternoonteatv on Instagram Or check us out on www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea (http://www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea) A massive thank you to our funders: Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner

6. 

   12 Mar 2026

   The Way Through: Resilience and coping | Abid Hussain

   In this episode of Afternoon Tea, we explore stress, resilience, and finding a way forward. With our two hosts/baristas, Lisa and Krish, we spill the tea with our guest Abid Hussain, Trustee of Faith In Queens Park. The conversation looks at the emotional realities and barriers many victims face - including shame, fear, anxiety, and mistrust - and why these experiences can make reaching out for support difficult. Through a thoughtful, informed discussion, we reflect on our lived experiences, the importance of being heard, and how trust in support systems can be rebuilt over time. 🎧 What You’ll Get from This Episode: Insight into how trauma, shame, and anxiety can impact victims and their decision-making Honest discussion about why speaking out or seeking support can feel difficult Reflections on rebuilding trust, finding support, and moving forward with resilience Tune in, grab a cuppa, take a breath, and join the conversation with us on Afternoon Tea! 💡 Whether you’re a young person, parent, or just curious, we welcome you to start your journey with us to get insights, understanding, and tools you can use right away. Afternoon Tea is a podcast dedicated to honest conversations around mental health, wellbeing, and the experiences that shape us. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of stress, victim experiences, and emotional distress. New to the café? Enjoyed the episode? Follow us @afternoonteatv on Instagram Or check us out on www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea (http://www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea) A massive thank you to our funders: Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner

7. 

   9 Mar 2026

   The Moments Before: Stress, trauma, and unprocessed emotions | Karl Wardle

   Ever feel like stress or strong emotions are taking over? You’re not alone. In this debut episode, hosts/baristas Krish and Bella spill the tea with Karl Wardle, Managing Director of The Skill Lab, about how stress, trauma, and unprocessed emotions can sometimes lead to challenging behaviour – and, more importantly, what you can do before things spiral. 🎧 What You’ll Get from This Episode: Why talking about stress and emotions early can make a huge difference; preventing escalation How unprocessed trauma and emotional ups and downs can affect behaviour Simple, practical tools and tips to help manage feelings and build resilience to stay in control Tune in, grab a cuppa, take a breath, and start your journey with us from the very beginning! 💡 Whether you’re a young person, parent, or just curious, start your journey with us from episode 1 and get insights, understanding, and tools you can use right away. Trigger warning: This episode discusses stress, trauma, strong emotions, and challenging behaviour. New to the café? Enjoyed the episode? Follow us @afternoonteatv on Instagram Or check us out on www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea (http://www.youthtv.co.uk/afternoontea) A massive thank you to our funders: Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner

Contact Afternoon Tea

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.