🎙️ My Story Isn’t Unusual. That’s the Problem.
This podcast speaks truth to power from the inside out. Hosted by Matthew — care-experienced, adopted, and fiercely determined — each episode dives into the personal fallout of life in and after care: missing records, trauma, silence, and the fight for systemic reform.
You’ll also hear from special guests representing charities supported by One Set Of Footprints CIC, including:
- 🧒 Team Mikayla, raising awareness and wishing gifts up to value of £500.00
- 💬 Andy’s Man Club, breaking the stigma around men’s mental health
We shine a spotlight on community action too — including the incredible work of Argyle Community Trust. From baby sensory sessions to inclusive local events, we celebrate grassroots change where it’s happening.
This isn’t just storytelling. It’s accountability. Activism. Connection.
Adopted & Unfiltered: James Evans on Identity, Trauma and Healing
Welcome back to One Set of Footprints. In this episode we mark National Adoption Week with James Evans, an adopted adult who shares his early care journey, the lifelong impact of trauma and attachment, and the complexities of searching for birth family and care records.
James and the matt discuss mental health, advocacy, and the launch of a CIC offering free support to access and understand care records, plus upcoming special episodes on improving how records are written and supporting adoptive families.
2 Jul 2026
From Union Halls to Heartfelt Homes: The Fight for Foster Carers' Rights
Welcome back to Once That Footprint Podcast. In this episode, Matt talks with Robin, Secretary of the National Union of Professional Foster Carers, about the union’s journey, legal battles, and practical ways to support foster carers and the children they look after.They discuss recruitment and retention, trauma-informed care, the need for better matching and consistent social work, access to counselling and support for care leavers, and how foster carers can protect themselves and advocate for children. The episode closes with a call to action to join the union and support One Set Footprint CIC’s care-records support initiative.
27 Apr 2026
Choosing to Stand: Dan’s Fight for Better Fostering
Host Matt interviews Dan Buxall‑Simpson, founder of Epic Family CIC and a foster parent, about his decision to step into the fostering space, the challenges of setting up Epic Fostering, and the mission behind Epic Support to provide trauma‑informed, wraparound services for children and carers in the South West.The episode explores system failures, the importance of individualised support, how a not‑for‑profit model can make a difference, and what’s next for Epic as it begins placing children and expanding mentoring and education support.
7 Apr 2026
25 Years of Fostering: The Human Side of Care
In this episode the host sits with Tracy, a foster carer of 25 years, who shares the everyday realities of opening her home to children who’ve experienced trauma — the small acts of patience, the routines that help, and the deep emotional costs of saying goodbye.They also discuss the cracks in the system: overloaded social workers, inconsistent support, and the urgent need for practical, trauma-informed services so carers and children can get the help they truly need.
25 Feb 2026
Rewriting Care: How Education Can Save Kids from the System
Matthew interviews Tim, founder of Three Circles fostering , they talk about failures in the care system and how prioritising education and supportive foster care can transform children’s lives.
They discuss trauma, stigma, shocking costs of residential care, practical solutions (teachers in fostering services, lifelong support), and the need for systemic change to prevent homelessness, offending and poor outcomes for care-experienced young people.
26 Nov 2025
From Grief to Giving: How Luna's Fund Rebuilds Families After Baby Loss
On this episode of One Set of Footprints, Amy from Luna's Fund shares her personal journey from losing her daughter Luna to founding a charity that offers practical support for families after baby loss.Luna's Fund provides relaxing getaways, food shop deliveries, nursery redecoration, private scans for pregnancy after loss, and growing support for dads — all rooted in community, compassion and hope.Amy discusses burnout, advocacy for better bereavement care, the vision for a dedicated Luna's Lodge, and a message of hope: the pain will change and healing is possible.
25 Nov 2025
From Grief to Brotherhood: Ryan's Andy's Man Club Journey
Ryan shares his powerful journey from losing his stepfather at 15 to struggling with anxiety and depression, and how Andy's Man Club gave him connection, confidence, and purpose. He describes the comfort of online meetings, the support of facilitators and peers, and how speaking up transformed his mental health.This episode highlights the importance of brotherhood, destigmatizing men’s mental health, and the message that "it's okay to talk." Ryan also discusses his role as a facilitator, coping strategies like gaming and community activities, and hopes to expand support in Sheffield.
3 Nov 2025
Quiet Courage: Martin’s Story of Survival and Connection
Martin shares his journey from childhood abuse and years of silence to finding hope, family and purpose. After crises with substance use, health struggles and a near-breakdown, a compassionate police officer and Andy’s Man’s Club helped him open up, heal, and become a facilitator supporting others.
This episode explores trauma, recovery, and the power of speaking out — a reminder that asking for help is strength and no one has to suffer alone.
Silence has a heart beat Talking keeps it alive
30 Oct 2025
It’s Okay to Talk — A Facilitator’s View of Peer Support
Welcome to today’s episode exploring Andy’s Man’s Club, a grassroots movement creating safe, non-judgmental peer-to-peer support for men’s mental health across the UK.Host and facilitator Mike discuss how weekly groups work, the rules and training that keep spaces safe, and the powerful impact of listening, honesty and community on members’ recovery.This episode highlights personal stories of resilience, the role of grassroots action in filling gaps in mainstream care, and the simple but vital message: it’s okay to talk.
17 Oct 2025
From Grief to Guide: Chris Slater’s Story with Andy’s Man Club
This episode features Chris Slater, a lead facilitator for the Romford Andy’s Man Club, sharing his personal journey through grief, depression, and recovery after joining the charity.Chris explains how online and face-to-face sessions work, what new attendees can expect, and the practical support and community that help men open up and find hope.
10 Oct 2025
14 Men a Day: A Raw World Mental Health Day Wake-Up
On World Mental Health Day the host shares alarming Mind statistics showing sharp rises in self-harm and suicidal thoughts, especially among men, and describes personal experiences with loss and depression.He highlights local and online men’s support groups (Man Down, Every Man Matters, Analyser Man’s Club), explains how peer support helped him become a facilitator, and previews upcoming guests and live episodes while urging listeners to seek help and follow the podcast.
9 Oct 2025
Running for Minds: Kirstie's Marathon Mission
In this episode, host reconnects with listeners and interviews Kirstie, who shares her personal journey through prenatal and postnatal depression and how Mind charities provided crucial support. Kirstie explains why she is running the London Marathon to raise funds and awareness, outlines her fundraising plans, and discusses the mental health services Mind offers.
Tune in to hear Kirstie’s story, learn about practical ways to support her fundraiser, and get insight into local and national mental health resources.
Please visit just giving link below and for more information on mind the website link is below . Thanks for listening !!
Kirsty Jones is fundraising for Mind
https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=36299d8d220791f1a2dc299f5ea3cc35223c39d26ae913f7ca1a9a3fc7be4d27JmltdHM9MTc1OTk2ODAwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=0ca85b15-9f1e-6c81-3a9c-4f549ea56dcb&psq=mind&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWluZC5vcmcudWsv
20 Jun 2024
🎙️ Episode Title: “Kicking Off for a Cause
Join me and Harvey England pitch-side as we gear up for a powerful charity football match raising awareness for two incredible organisations supported by One Set of Footprints. This isn’t just about goals on the field—it’s about making real impact off it.In this episode, we talk teamwork, community, and the stories behind the charities we’re championing. Whether you're a football fan, an advocate, or just curious about how sport can drive change, this one’s for you.Tune in to hear:• Why this match matters• The mission behind One Set of Footprints
19 Jun 2024
One Set Footprints Podcast: Inspiring Journeys & Community Heroes
Welcome to the One Set Footprints Podcast, where I share my journey through adoption and my life story. In this episode, we feature special guests from Andy's Man Club, a men's mental health charity, and Team McKayla, a kids' cancer charity. Discover the incredible work these organizations are doing to make a difference.
We'll also have special episodes with the Argyle Community Trust, highlighting the impactful programs they run at Mandan Sports and Community Hub, and across Devon and Cornwall. Join us as we explore these inspiring stories and more.
Kindly sponsored by MJB Plastering Sherford, the One Set Footprints Podcast is available on all your favourite podcast platforms. Supporting communities, one step at a time.
18 Jun 2024
Transforming Lives with Baby Sensory: Kirstie's Inspiring Journey
Welcome to a special episode of One Set of Footprints, an Argyle Community Trust special, where we showcase the incredible work of community groups at the Mandan Sports and Community Hub. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Kirstie, the passionate leader behind Baby Sensory Groups in Plymouth.
Kirstie shares her personal journey of how she transitioned from being a participant to running Baby Sensory, a transformative program for babies aged 0-13 months. She discusses the numerous benefits of the classes, from promoting hand-eye coordination to encouraging social interactions among parents.
Discover the variety of themed activities, including the popular 'Magic Box,' and how these sessions are meticulously designed to aid in a baby's development. Kirstie also touches on the importance of engaging fathers in these activities and her efforts to make Baby Sensory accessible to all, including potential collaborations with local schools to support vulnerable families.
Don't miss this heartwarming episode filled with insights into the positive impact of Baby Sensory on both children and parents. Tune in to learn more about Kirstie's dedication to fostering a supportive community for new parents and their little ones.
27 May 2024
one set of footprints podcast Andy man club Special ❤️ 💙
Talking about how Andy man club has helped us and how it works with special guest Stephen and Mike
18 May 2024
mandon event total
13 May 2024
My life My story episode 2
response from devon county council and adopt south west
1 May 2024
one set Footprints podcast presents MY LIFE MY STORY
After born into a abusive family and then adopted with no support hear start of story from abused kid to buisness owner . one step at a time you can achieve anything no matter what past.
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