Are You Convinced?

*Content warning: discussion of self-harm, suicide and other mental illness.*

Please call the Samaritans on 116 123 or contact [email protected] if you are in distress or need help with any of the issues discussed.

Even before coronavirus hit, many young people were struggling with their mental health. But do we know how to address youth mental health issues? Laura questions what we need to focus on when it comes to a spectrum of mental health struggles for young people.

Head of Children and Young People's Mental Health at Centre for Mental Health, Kadra Abdinasir joins us along with Natasha Devon, Founder of the Mental Health Media Charter and LBC presenter. The panel discuss whether the system is too crisis driven, and how more opportunities need to be made to address inequalities in mental health for Black and Asian young people, as well as those that identify as LGBTQ+.

This week's #AskYouth question is "Do you think there is a mental health crisis for young people? Why?" – a 23-year-old medical student and a 20-year-old with experience of the mental health system give us their views.

Like educational podcasts? You're bound to learn something new on every episode of #AreYouConvinced.

In a post-pandemic environment, will a cross-sector strategy secure young people's futures? Ndidi tries to convince Laura that this is vital, but Laura thinks otherwise.

With special guests Anne Longfield, former Children's Commissioner of England, and Jonathan Simons, Director at Public First and Head of The Education Strategy along for the ride, get ready for disagreement, persuasion, and being encouraged to step away from your siloes and join cross-sector forces!

This week's #AskYouth question is "What kinds of support do young people need coming out of lockdown?" – we speak to three young people aged 11-20 to get their views.

Like educational podcasts? You're bound to learn something new on every episode of #AreYouConvinced.

Ndidi Okezie (CEO of UK Youth) and Laura McInerney (Co-Founder of Teacher Tapp) are back. Joining forces to shine a light on a wider range of topics impacting children and young people.

Each episode our duo will take turns to persuade each other to see an issue in an entirely new way. They will bring guests in to bolster or judge their position and at the end of their time, they will ask that all important question…"Are You Convinced?"

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Season 1 is officially wrapped and we’re so overwhelmed by the wonderful feedback the show has received. Listen here as Laura and Ndidi share highlights and audience reactions to the season.     A special thank you to everyone that has taken the time to engage, tweet, rate and review us. We’ve seen all your comments and we’re excited that you love the show as much as we love making it. 

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Laura McInerney
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Go With Me On This

Credits: “Go With Me On This..." is a Storythings production   Series producer is Sarah Myles   Executive producer is Hugh Garry   Supported by Pearson UK Schools   Presented by Ndidi Okezie and Laura McInerney

Please Note: This episode is from our previous series called Go With Me On This

The final episode of our pilot series is on the difficult and often taboo topic of Knife Crime. In this emotional episode, Ndidi argues that 'Schools cannot be expected to solve knife crime', whilst Laura passionately seeks to convince her otherwise. This episode throws up a few surprises for both Ndidi and Laura as they try to change each other's minds. Which side of their fiery debate will you come down on? This episode is not to be missed. Listen and then tell us what you think on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Our guest experts, helping Laura change Ndidi's mind are multi-award winning entrepreneur and founder of The Safety Box, Nathaniel Peat, and Kiran Gill, CEO of The Difference, a charity that trains specialists leaders to reduce school exclusions.

Socials: Nathaniel Peat Kiran Gill Laura McInerney Ndidi Okezie Go With Me On This

Credits: "Go With Me On This..." is a Storythings production Series producer is Sarah Myles Executive producer is Hugh Garry Supported by Pearson UK Schools Presented by Ndidi Okezie and Laura McInerney

Please Note: This episode is from our previous series called Go With Me On This In this episode it's Laura's turn to take the stand and defend what some see as unthinkable. In this heated conversation Laura believes that there are other ways to prepare children for the world of work than careers education, and that there are better ways to use the school's time. It's a tough task, but Laura can be very persuasive, so will she be able to convince Ndidi and this episode's guest to go with her on this? And will she be able to convince you? Listen to the episode and tell us on Twitter. This week's guest experts are Tristram Hooley, Chief Research Officer at the Institute of Student Employers, and Carl Fazackerley, Head of Sixth Form and Aspirations at the Ark Woolworth Academy. Social: Tristram Hooley Carl Fazackerley Ndidi Okezie Laura McInerney Go With Me On This Credits: "Go With Me On This..." is a Storythings production Series producer is Sarah Myles Executive producer is Hugh Garry Supported by Pearson UK Schools Presented by Ndidi Okezie and Laura McInerney

Please Note: This episode is from our previous series called Go With Me On This

In this episode, Ndidi argues that the mainstream media are the biggest influence on the brand of teaching. Is Ndidi's 'brand' of debate going to swing Laura and guests around to her way of thinking? And will she be able to convince you? Listen to the episode and tell us on Twitter. This week's guest experts are Lord Jim Knight, Chief Education Adviser at Tes, member of Lords and founder of Xrapid, and Hannah Wilson, Executive Head Teacher of Aureus High School and Aureus Primary School, co-founder of WomenEd, and co-author of the book 10% Braver. Social: Lord Jim Knight Hannah Wilson Ndidi Okezie Laura McInerney Go With Me On This Credits: "Go With Me On This..." is a Storythings production Series producer is Sarah Myles Executive producer is Hugh Garry Supported by Pearson UK Schools Presented by Ndidi Okezie and Laura McInerney

Please Note: This episode is from our previous series called Go With Me On This

In this episode, Laura argues that parents should leave the educating of their child to the school. Is she going to be able to sway Ndidi and guests around to her way of thinking? Will she be able to convince you?

This week's guest experts are Mark Lehain, Head of Parents and Teachers for Excellence, and Sonia Meggie, award winning diversity consultant and founder of Inspirational YOU. Social: Sonia Meggie Mark Lehain Ndidi Okezie Laura McInerney Go With Me On This Credits: "Go With Me On This..." is a Storythings production Series producer is Sarah Myles Executive producer is Hugh Garry Supported by Pearson UK Schools Presented by Ndidi Okezie and Laura McInerney

Please Note: This episode is from our previous series called Go With Me On This In this episode, Laura argues that knowledge should be the single biggest priority in a school's curriculum. But she faces strong opposition to this idea from Ndidi and guests Oli de Botton, Headteacher and co-founder of School 21, and Lewis Iwu, co-founder of Purpose Union and author of the book 'Words That Win'. Listen and join the debate, to see whether you would be willing to... "Go With Me On This."

Hosts Ndidi Okezie and Laura McInerney discuss and debate different views about Education, in an effort to shed new insights on the topics and issues that surround our education system today. Each episode, Ndidi or Laura will have 30 minutes to convince the other that an idea about education is not as crazy as it may first appear. They’ll make a case for their view and invite you the listeners and our special guest experts to …”Go With Me On This…”