Childhood Heroes

Winston’s Wish supports children and young people after the death of a parent or sibling.

In this episode CEO, Fergus Crow, helps us understand the impact of COVID-19 on children and young people, and shares ways to help process the complexity of feelings around death - whatever the cause. We discuss the importance of remembering loved ones and talking about death and dying, the effects of bereavement over time (aka "the unique fingerprint of grief”) and how empowering it can be when you embrace loss as part of your personal story. Fergus also shares his thoughts on access to mental health services - and the importance of holding onto hope during our darkest days.

Winston’s Wish provides a free helpline, online chat service, a grief support groups for 8-25s, resources for teachers and lots more at Winstonswish.org or follow online at

They say moving home is one of the most stressful events in life. But imagine moving home multiple times every year. And having to leave behind all your friends - with no means of contacting them again. Your parents too. And your siblings. And now imagine that you are moving in with someone you had never met, in a place you had never visited. And that you are a child that has experienced terrible trauma already, for which you have received no mental health support.

This is the experience of too many 'looked after children' in the care system, despite the dedication of so many professionals who themselves often pay a high price in their own wellbeing. But Hugh Thornberry CBE, Chair of Become and Chance UK, and a leading senior figure in the sector, believes that despite challenges, there are many reasons to be optimistic. Listen to find out about the challenges facing society's most vulnerable children, why the children's care system is so important and how it has evolved over the last generation. Plus, golden advice from Hugh on how to take care of your own wellbeing when your work is inherently stressful. If you've ever considered adopting or fostering then this (or have done so) one is for you.

This interview was recorded in early 2021.

What are the reasons that young people from some ethnic backgrounds do better or worse in school than others? What is the experience of black-heritage pupils in the education system today? What is the impact of (not) seeing yourself represented in media / wider society have on aspirations? With Insight Education is an organisation that mentors black-heritage pupils to successfully apply to top universities as a gateway to a more prosperous future. In this episode it's founder, Christine Kinnear, shares expert insights into the nuanced subject of race and discrimination in education. Also - being an ally and why you should talk about racism with your children.

Note - this interview was recorded in autumn 2021 and refers to the “Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities” (aka the Sewell report) which was released in March 2021.

Find out more at www.withinsightedu.org 

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How has arts education in UK schools changed over a generation? Are some people more creative than others? What can we learn from young people with special educational needs? Plus... The benefits of a therapeutic approach to education, tips for creative self-care and being joyful - the ultimate act of rebellion! Kathryn Hitchings is a national award winning Head of Creative Arts in an outstanding SEN Residential School, a Specialist Leader in Education, freelance artist and social media influencer.

Check out Kathryn’s fun style @knitchings on Instagram.

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The conversation continues with play and outdoors expert Cath Prisk, as we explore … The importance of personal responsibility when it comes to children’s confidence. How old should a child be before they walk to school alone, own a phone, visit a park with their friends. How parents can reclaim more time for themselves. Why you should take your family camping. Resisting screens and embracing boredom. The importance of play to learning – and what hailstones the size of your head and snakes in the playground have in common!

This is second of 2 episodes – check back to last week’s episode to listen in sequence.

Why are parents always so exhausted today? Should you let your child do dangerous things? Is “Stranger Danger” something to teach our children? Cath Prisk, a leading expert in the UK on children’s play and the outdoors, answers these questions - and explains how British children have less freedom than ever before and how this is making children stressed, and parents frazzled. Cath offers inspiring examples from other countries and tips for parents to foster trust and responsibility in children.

This is part 1 of 2 episodes - tune in next week for part 2.

Connect with Cath at www.outdoorpeople.org.uk and www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk

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Why do some young people prefer to be known as queer rather than gay, or as a gay woman rather than a lesbian? Do 5-year-olds understand discrimination? Should I put pronouns on my profile? Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL helps us unpick these questions and many more in the last episode of this series. Carl is a figurehead of Greater Manchester’s gay community. Professionally, as previous Lord Mayor of Manchester and the current LGBTQ+ Adviser to Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, Carl works with schools and the community to reduce stigma and normalise diversity. But personally, Carl’s own life tells the story of the dramatic changes that have happened over one short generation... From fear and discrimination (including dismissal from the Royal Air Force for being gay) to royal honours, and fulfilling his dreams as husband and father. Plus, we celebrate the writing of Russell T Davies.

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Follow Carl on social media @CarlAustinBehan

What does music mean to you? For many, it is an emotional release, a way to connect with others or an act of creative expression. Stuart Whatmore, Head of the Triborough Music Hub in London, believes music improves our lives and that we all need more of it. We discuss how music education has changed over time, including how the internet has opened opportunities for young people to create and consume music in new ways, but also how we should be concerned about the quiet struggle of traditional music education in schools. Will anyone be playing musical instruments in another generation, and does that matter? Stuart also gives his advice to parents who want to support their children to love music – and it’s much easier to do than you would think!

This episode was recorded in February 2021.

More info and further reading ...

Byron Vincent’s personal experience of poverty and childhood trauma or (ACEs), including extreme violence. crime, drugs and homelessness, shapes his work as a writer, performed and broadcaster. We discuss how young people from “sink estates” like Byron’s are moulded by their environment, the low expectations placed upon them and the lack of opportunities available. We also discuss how social media exploits our negative emotions (and how this is a particular risk to young people), changes to mental health services over the last generation, and Byron’s upcoming neurodiversity festival at Southbank in 2022, in which he hopes to raise awareness and support other neurodiverse young people.

Today we talk to the CEO of Kidscape, Lauren Seager-Smith. Kidscape is a national charity that offers advice and practical support around bullying, including through their brilliant parents’ advice line. We discuss online bullying, xenophobia and the effects of living in an individualistic and divided society... Lauren also gives her advice for parents and offers a message of hope and help for anyone concerned about the bullying of children and young people.

What was your sex and relationships education like at school? Mine involved a brusque ‘home economics’ teacher with a broom handle and condom, and much blushing and giggling!

Thankfully, times have changed somewhat and Lucy Emmerson, the CEO of the Sex Education Forum, updates us on how good quality relationships and sex education is supporting young people today with issues including gender stereotypes, menstruation, naming female body parts and porn culture. We also discuss the role of parents and society in tackling taboos such as female sexual pleasure and consent.

Find out more about Lucy's work - www.sexeducationforum.org.uk or Twitter @sex_ed_forum

If you enjoyed today's episode please remember to subscribe, rate and leave a review! or find out more about me @ www.laurawyattsmith.com 

Artwork by @HouseofKatavia

Everyone knows that being a new Mum can be tough, really tough. But the experience of Dads is less commonly discussed. Elliott Rae is Founder of MusicFootballFatherhood, a support forum for Dads. He is also the host of the DaddyDebates podcast and the author of best-seller, “Dad - Untold stories of fatherhood, love, mental health and masculinity. We discuss Dads' mental health (can Dads get postnatal depression?), Elliott's experience of being a black father in the UK, how Dads are more involved with their kids and do more house work than ever before .. and what needs to change for truly equal parenting to become the norm.