Catch Up With Cat

Lee Craigie, the Active Nation Commissioner and part of The Adventure Syndicate, offers advice on how to exercise from home and how sport can connect us even though we are apart. As it’s Mental Health Awareness Week Cat talks to the Scottish Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey.

Cafe owner and author Jess Dennison shares great recipes to boost the immune system. Cat’s Dad, 85-year old Bobby Harvey who has recently become an internet sensation playing his fiddle on his doorstep for the NHS Thursday clap, tells us what it is like to be one of the shielded, gives advice for anyone with an elderly relative and takes a wander down memory lane including a gig he once played on the QE2 with forty topless Brazilian dancers. Plus we hear about the new digital self-help tool from the Samaritans

Kevin MacLeod from Funbox has a sing-a-long for the kids and big kids alike and tells us why interacting with music is so great for keeping children happy. Cat Hepburn a Scriptwriter, spoken word artist and educator who is behind a new Lockdown poem voiced by real people from all over Scotland, talks about how writing can be a great release for your feelings and why we should never be scared to try. Plus as it’s Mental Health Awareness Week Cat speaks with Tiny Changes Charity, which was started in memory of Frightened rabbit frontman Scott Hutchieson.

Now in week 4 of the NHS Couch to 5k, Craig Donald and Personal Trainer Robynn Haggart give an update on how the challenge is going. Author and illustrator Debi Gliori who created Bookbug for the Scottish Book Trust talks about the importance of books and how they can create wonderful family bonds. We learn how Lead Scotland’s Fife Befriending Project is helping adults who feel isolated, disconnected and lonely. Plus we hear how one restaurant in Glasgow - G.W.R is now serving over 1,000 free meals a day to NHS staff, keyworkers and the elderly.

Sue Gyford from Jog Scotland explains their new Learn to Run and Walk for fitness programmes. Doctor Punam Krishan, a GP and a mum, has advice on family health and wellbeing through lifestyle medicine. Plus Julie Cameron, Director of Programmes talks about the Mental Health Foundation and how they can help.

Ian Findlay, Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, talks about the many benefits of walking and their new podcast. Ross County footballer Liam Fontaine explains how he uses song-writing and music to help his mental health.

Chef Mark Greenaway from Grazing joins Cat to help create a simple family dish designed to boost the immune System, mind and body. MSP Christina McKelvie, Minister for Older People and Equalities discusses the importance of connections and how little chats can lead to talking about big issues. Psychiatrist Doctor John Mitchell is back with some brilliant tips on routines to help you sleep and some general advice on sleep management.

Rory Crawford from RSPB Glasgow talks about Breakfast Birdwatch and why using all our senses to appreciate nature is good for our mental health. Kirsten Urquhart from YOUNG SCOT, talks about what her organisation has been doing to help young people cope and explains some of the fun to be had in the newly created YOUNG SCOT CHALLENGES. Plus award winning Author Jenny Colgan explains why a good book is the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day.

Craig discusses how his training is going on the NHS Couch to 5k challenge and Personal Trainer Robynn Haggart offers some new advice. Anne Gallagher from Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing organisation talks about a fabulous programme of films for people on their own at home or in care homes. Plus to celebrate International Nurses Day, Alan Logan, a resuscitation nurse who works at a children’s hospital, talks about why, despite all the stresses and strains, he still loves his job.

Personal Trainer and nutrition expert Kirsteen Innes offers advice on keeping fit at home and starting the day with healthy food. Dave Devenny from Fathers Network Scotland talks about the challenges currently facing parents, in particular dads. Plus Toni Groundwater from See Me talks about the importance of sharing your problems.