Small Talk, Big Change

About Small Talk, Big Change

Small Talk, Big Change is a podcast series from Mental Health Foundation in Scotland, exploring what it takes to create a society where children and families can truly thrive.

Publisher

Mental Health Foundation in Scotland

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Jun 2024

Latest episode

25 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Mar 2026

   Working Lives

   Youth unemployment in the UK stands at around 14 per cent, with nearly a million young people not in education, employment or training. In this episode, we hear from young people Aaron, Maya and Marcus about the reality of trying to find work. We also hear from practitioners Nike Oruh from Edinburgh Napier University and Karolyn Daye-Collis from All Minds. From the pressure to know what you want at high school, to the psychological toll of rejection and silence, we explore what the path from education to employment actually feels like. We ask why careers guidance so often misses the mark, what barriers young people are really up against, and what would actually help. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, visit mentalhealth.org.uk/get-help

2. 

   18 Mar 2026

   Bullying & Discrimination

   Around one in five young people in the UK report being bullied - most commonly for their appearance or identity. But what does that actually feel like? In this episode, we hear from young people Aaron, Alex, Chloe, Marcus and Maya about their experiences of bullying and discrimination. We also hear from practitioners Nike Oruh from Edinburgh Napier University, Karolyn Daye-Collis from All Minds, and Lucy from West Dunbartonshire Council. From microaggressions and the drip, drip effect, to masking, bystanders who stay silent, and "banter" - we explore what discrimination really looks like and the toll it takes. We ask why so many young people feel they can't speak up, and what would actually help them feel seen and supported. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, visit mentalhealth.org.uk/get-help

3. 

   11 Mar 2026

   Online Lives

   Nearly 95% of UK teenagers are on social media. But what's it actually like? In this episode, we hear from young people Aaron, Alex, Chloe, Freya, Marcus and Maya about life online. We also hear from practitioners Karolyn Daye-Collis from All Minds and Dr Irene Warner-Mackintosh from the Mhor Collective. From finding community and managing anxiety, to broken algorithms and the pressure to be perfect - we explore the good, the bad, and what adults keep getting wrong. We ask whether banning social media is the answer, and what would actually help young people feel safer online. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, visit mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp (http://mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp)

4. 

   1 Aug 2024

   Race & Microaggressions Part 2

   In the second of a 2-part episode, presenter Ravideep Kaur explores the challenges faced by refugee, asylum seeker, and migrant families in accessing healthcare and raising children in a new culture. In this episode, she focuses on the challenges of language barriers and parenting in an unfamiliar culture You will hear the additional voices of Amma Birth Companions mothers and CEO Maree Aldam, Maryhill Integration Network parent Nyla and Dad Rock's father Regan. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, visit ⁠mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp⁠ (http://mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp).

5. 

   25 Jul 2024

   Race & Microaggressions Part 1

   In the first of a 2-part episode, presenter Ravideep Kaur explores the challenges faced by refugee, asylum seeker, and migrant families in accessing healthcare and raising children in a new culture. In this episode, she focuses on the impact of racism and microaggressions on families accessing services. You will hear the additional voices of Amma Birth Companions mothers and CEO Maree Aldam, Maryhill Integration Network parent Nyla and Dad Rock's father Regan. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, visit ⁠mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp⁠ (http://mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp).

6. 

   18 Jul 2024

   Schools

   Presenter Tim Street explores what young people need to better support their mental health at home and in school. You will hear the additional voices of Teacher Kerry Russell, librarian and parent Jane and student Natasha and ex-headteacher, and Head of Service for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) Billy Burke. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, visit ⁠mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp⁠ (http://mentalhealth.org.uk/gethelp).

7. 

   4 Jul 2024

   Co-regulation & Parenting

   In today's episode, we're going to explore the topic of parental mental health and co-regulation with insights from parents, organisations and charities MindMosaic Child and Family Therapy, and Dad's Rock and children's mental health expert Laura Earnshaw. This is a crucial area that affects every family, yet it's one that's often overlooked or misunderstood. We'll be diving deep into the challenges parents face, the impact of stress on both parents and children, and most importantly, the strategies and support systems that can make a real difference. For more information and to find support, visit the Mental Health Foundation website - ⁠mentalhealth.org.uk (http://mentalhealth.org.uk/)

8. 

   28 Jun 2024

   Together to Thrive (No Music)

   **This version of Small Talk, Big Change called Together to Thrive contains no music or sound design** In this episode of Small Talk Big Change, we explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of neurodiversity and the challenges faced by families navigating long waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, or CAMHS. The episode will explore an innovative task-sharing approach being pioneered in Dundee, Scotland, called Together to Thrive with insight from Dr. Johnny Graham, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist in NHS Tayside, Jacqui Paton and Keren Hadden from NHS CAMHS in Dundee, children’s mental health expert Laura Earnshaw and Louise, one of the parents who has received support through Together To Thrive. You’ll hear how this groundbreaking project aims to redirect specialist mental health support to community-based organisations, providing much-needed help to families who would otherwise be left waiting and struggling. For more information about Together To Thrive and to find support, visit the Mental Health Foundation website - ⁠mentalhealth.org.uk (http://mentalhealth.org.uk/)

9. 

   27 Jun 2024

   Arts & Mental Health

   In this episode, we dive into the importance of play and creativity beyond the early years. Our society often associates play and creativity with young children, but what impact does play have as children grow older? How can engaging in the arts impact mental health and wellbeing? To explore these questions, we've gathered a panel of experts from various organisations dedicated to supporting children and young people through the arts. Joining us are Lou Brodie from Imaginate, Corah Ambrose from The Teapot Trust, Eleni Daskalaki-Denman, a Family Support Worker at Playful Minds Dundee, and Kai Peacock from Rolled Up Productions. For more information on the Mental Health Foundation, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk (www.mentalhealth.org.uk)

10. 

    20 Jun 2024

    Together to Thrive

    In this episode of Small Talk Big Change, we explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of neurodiversity and the challenges faced by families navigating long waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, or CAMHS. The episode will explore an innovative task-sharing approach being pioneered in Dundee, Scotland, called Together to Thrive with insight from Dr. Johnny Graham, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist in NHS Tayside, Jacqui Paton and Keren Hadden from NHS CAMHS in Dundee, children’s mental health expert Laura Earnshaw and Louise, one of the parents who has received support through Together To Thrive. You’ll hear how this groundbreaking project aims to redirect specialist mental health support to community-based organisations, providing much-needed help to families who would otherwise be left waiting and struggling. For more information about Together To Thrive and to find support, visit the Mental Health Foundation website - mentalhealth.org.uk (http://mentalhealth.org.uk/)

11. 

    13 Jun 2024

    The 'village'

    In this episode of Small Talk, Big Change, we explore the crucial role of "the village" in supporting mothers during the perinatal period. Through stories from young parents' support base at Smithycroft Secondary School and Amma Birth Companions, and Childrens Mental Health Expert Laura Earnshaw, we delve into the impact of stigma, isolation, and mental health challenges. The episode highlights the importance of peer support in addressing these issues and introduces the Mental Health Foundation's Small Talk framework, which aims to support practitioners in delivering inclusive peer support to parents during this critical time. For full information on the Small Talk Framework and support, find more information through the Mental Health Foundation website - mentalheath.org.uk (http://mentalheath.org.uk)

12. 

    11 Jun 2024

    TRAILER: Small Talk, Big Change

    Small Talk, Big Change is a new podcast series from Mental Health Foundation in Scotland, exploring what it takes to create a society where children and families can truly thrive. We'll discover how early intervention and support can help prevent mental health problems from developing later in life.

Contact Small Talk, Big Change

Guest appearances

Books guests

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