The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast shares inspiring local stories from the people, businesses, and community groups that make Bishop’s Stortford thrive. Hosted by local resident James O’Donnell, each episode spotlights independent shops, charities, entrepreneurs, and everyday heroes shaping life in our town.
Jake Tucker: Inside Thirst Youth Café | Bishop’s Stortford
This episode is brought to you by StortWEB.
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A place to belong, someone to listen and somewhere safe to spend time after school.
Jake Tucker joins James at Thirst Youth Café to explain the work happening behind its doors in Bishop’s Stortford.
Jake has been with the project for 11 years. He describes a drop-in space for secondary-school-aged young people, alongside mentoring in six local secondary schools. The team sees around 450–500 young people a month and has more than 3,000 registered.
We discuss why consistent youth work matters, the people behind Thirst and an opportunity to have fundraising matched up to £100,000. Jake also shares ways the community can get involved, from sponsored challenges to family fundraising events.
To sponsor Jake's 1/2 Marathon head to https://www.justgiving.com/page/jakerunsforthirst (https://www.justgiving.com/page/jakerunsforthirst)
For current fundraising opportunities, contact Thirst Youth Café through its Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/thirstyouthcafe/ (https://www.instagram.com/thirstyouthcafe/)
STORTFORD SPOTLIGHT
• Billboard: “Thirst is a place for young people to belong.”
• Local spot: The fields near Pig Lane, where Jake goes for a peaceful walk.
• Community shoutout: Darren, Thirst’s Chair of Trustees, and Yesterday’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Future; a channel introducing young people to different careers. https://www.youtube.com/@yytf.official (https://www.youtube.com/@yytf.official)
Support the Podcast
You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.
Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.
Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic (https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic)
#BishopsStortford #Hertfordshire #YouthWork #Community
19 Oct 2026
Why Men Need a Space to Talk | Kevin May
Kevin May - Kevin May Therapy
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StortWEB
Simple, modern websites for local businesses.
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Kevin May joins James on the Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast to talk about the career change that took him from business journalism into counselling.
After experiencing the benefits of therapy himself, Kevin trained for four years and now works with people in Bishop’s Stortford and online. He explains person-centred therapy, what happens in a session and why having somewhere to talk without feeling judged can matter.
Much of the conversation focuses on men: navigating changes in family life, dealing with loss and finding the words to describe what is going on. Kevin shares how some clients tell him they have never spoken to anybody about the things they bring into therapy.
We also discuss how to contact him, his therapy FAQs and the support information on his website. Kevin explains that therapists are not an emergency service.
Find Kevin here:
https://kevinmaytherapy.com/ (https://kevinmaytherapy.com/)
Stortford Spotlight
Kevin’s Jackson Square billboard:
“Looking okay doesn’t mean feeling okay. You never know what someone is carrying.”
His local spot: Poppy’s Barn near Clavering. Kevin recommends it for lunch, afternoon tea and time with friends or family.
https://poppysbarn.co.uk/ (https://poppysbarn.co.uk/)
His local shoutout: Men Walking and Talking, and local walk leader Rajesh. Kevin highlights the opportunity for men to get together, walk and talk.
https://www.menwalkingandtalking.co.uk/walks/bishops-stortford/ (https://www.menwalkingandtalking.co.uk/walks/bishops-stortford/)
Support the Podcast
You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.
Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.
Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic (https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic)
16 Oct 2026
A Career Change, Neuro Reset Technique and Living in the Moment | Natalie Toms
Natalie Toms - Health 4 Wellness
This episode is brought to you by:
StortWEB
Simple, modern websites for local businesses.
https://stortweb.com/ (https://stortweb.com/)
Natalie Toms joins James on the Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast to share the career change that led her to Health 4 Wellness and her work with Neuro Reset Technique.
After leaving her previous career, Natalie trained as a yoga teacher. Meeting Simon Frost during that training sparked an interest in the nervous system and eventually led her to train directly with him.
Natalie describes her approach to working with clients, why she starts with a conversation about their individual needs, and the experiences that brought her to this work. She also explains that she sees people both online and in person.
We finish with a reminder to live in the moment, including putting down our phones and being present with friends. Natalie shares her favourite riverside spot in town and gives a shoutout to a local place where she enjoys getting some work done.
Find Natalie here:
https://health-4-wellness.com/ (https://health-4-wellness.com/)
Contact Natalie:
https://health-4-wellness.com/contact/ (https://health-4-wellness.com/contact/)
Stortford Spotlight
Natalie’s Jackson Square billboard:
“Live in the moment.”
Her local spot: Skew. Natalie loves sitting outside by the river, enjoying the food and feeling tucked away from the busy town.
https://skewrestaurant.com/ (https://skewrestaurant.com/)
Her local shoutout: The Residence and Karen. Natalie appreciates the friendly atmosphere, the countryside setting and having somewhere to get her head down and work.
https://theresidencecoworking.co.uk/ (https://theresidencecoworking.co.uk/)
Support the Podcast
You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.
Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.
Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic (https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic)
Who has been a guest on Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast
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Daniel Whytock
Dan Starr
David Amos
Alex Francis
Wayne Hart
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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