It's Notts Just Physio

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Join us for another inspiring episode of It’s Notts Just Physio, where we sit down with Lily, a third-year Children’s Nursing student, to reflect on her international elective placement in Sri Lanka. Lily shares what motivated her to take part in this opportunity and how the experience shaped her both personally and professionally.

This episode explores the realities of healthcare in a global context, the challenges and rewards of observing practice in a different cultural setting, and the skills Lily gained along the way. Packed with honest reflections, personal growth, and practical takeaway tips, it’s a must-listen for students considering an international placement and anyone curious about learning beyond the classroom 

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In this episode of It’s Notts Just Physio, we’re joined by Benson, now a third-year Adult Nursing student, who reflects on his elective placement in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. As an international student himself, Benson shares what motivated him to take part in an overseas placement and how his background shaped his experience.

Benson talks candidly about his time in the accident and emergency department, the challenges he witnessed in a high-pressure clinical environment, and how he learned to navigate them. This thoughtful episode explores powerful reflections on personal resilience, professional growth, and the impact of seeing healthcare through a global lens. The episode offers a valuable insight and inspiration for students considering similar opportunities.

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In this episode of It’s Notts Just Physio, we’re joined by two top physio students, Will Newman and Sam “Mud” Waters, to talk all things Movember, mental health, and why these conversations genuinely matter.

We get into what “it’s okay not to be okay” actually looks like in real life -checking in on your mates, being honest when things aren’t right, and understanding the role we have as clinicians to support more than just the physical side of health. This is about mindset, perspective, and having the courage to speak up.

We also highlight the incredible effort behind the Movember campaign, including Jaime Bernaldo de Quiros, Tom Passmore, and Will Craven, who took on an immense challenge -walking approximately 156 miles from The University of Nottingham Highfields all the way to Twickenham to raise awareness and drive these conversations forward. Proper commitment for a proper cause.

There’s a strong message here around connection, backing each other, and what can be achieved when people feel supported -whether that’s in sport, uni, clinic, or everyday life.

A really important and honest conversation that we hope resonates.

Content note: This episode includes discussion around suicide.

Useful links:

https://andysmanclub.co.uk

https://notts-talk.co.uk/#

The NHS helpline (available 24/7), call 111 and select mental health option 2
 
 The Samaritans (24hr freephone) 116 123
 
 Text SHOUT to 85258 (24hr text support)

Movember: https://uk.movember.com/

The Hairy Hikers: https://www.instagram.com/thehairyhikers_/

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mens Own RFC: https://www.instagram.com/mensownrfc/

Bletchley RFC: https://www.instagram.com/bletchleyrufc/

Chinnor RFC Thame: https://www.instagram.com/chinnorrfcthame/ 

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2nd episode of Mini Series about understanding what actually matters in becoming a safe, effective, confident clinical Physiotherapist. 
We have Dan Towey, Teaching Associate on UoN sharing his knowledge and experience. 

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What’s first year physio actually like?

In this episode, two of our second-year students Max and Tom who sit down with two current first years to get the real story - the highs, the challenges, and everything in between.

From finding your feet in those first few weeks, to managing the workload and building confidence, this is an honest, student-led conversation about what to expect.

If you’re holding an offer with us or thinking about applying for our course, this is your chance to hear from people who were in your shoes not long ago… and are now thriving.

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1st episode of Mini Series about understanding what actually matters in becoming a safe, effective, confident clinical Physiotherapist. 

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Join us for a brand-new season of It’s Notts Just Physio. The two Gracies - both third-year Physiotherapy students - kick things off by sitting down with the legend himself, Roger Kerry, to talk through his career and explore how Physiotherapy education and teaching have evolved over the years.

It’s a fantastic episode packed with insight into the profession, the shifting landscape of evidence and practice, and how today’s students are being prepared for the future workforce.

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🎙️ Dr Helen Garr Part 2 – The Stigma of Burnout
With Special Guest Host, Sam Roberts

In Part 2 of our powerful conversation centred around burnout with the incredible Dr Helen Garr – Medical Director of NHS Practitioner Health and widely known as The Wellbeing GP – we build on personal stories to explore the broader impact of burnout and mental health stigma in healthcare and daily life, while providing practical strategies to manage your own mental health and wellbeing to help avoid burnout.

We dive into how stigma continues to silence those who are struggling, and why creating safe, open conversations around mental health is more important than ever. Helen shares practical ways to care for your own wellbeing, prevent burnout, and how physio students and practitioners can play a key role in recognising emotional distress in patients, peers, friends, and family.

A must-listen moment in this episode is Helen’s brilliant “5 F’s for Managing Mental Health” – her trusted framework for staying grounded, maintaining positive wellbeing, and staying connected to the world around her. Think of these 5 F’s as your personal protective equipment (PPE) for the mind. They are simple, memorable, and genuinely powerful - and they could change the way you support yourself and others.

We also talk about the power of small actions - the importance of a gentle "nudge" - and how seemingly minor encouragements can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

💬 The episode wraps with a light-hearted but deeply personal reflection as Helen shares "A Trip to Rome", a heartfelt story about the loss of her mother, the meaning of holidays, and how grief can reshape our view of rest, time, and presence.
🎥 You can also watch her moving video on this story on YouTube.

In Japan, there’s a word – Daijoubu – which means “it will be okay.” Let this be your reminder that no matter where you are right now, there is hope, help, and healing ahead.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of sensitive topics including burnout, depression, suicide, and grief. Please listen with care and remember: you are not alone.

Support & Resources
If you're struggling or affected by anything discussed in this episode, these resources are here for you:

• Student Emergency Support – University of Nottingham
• Student Wellbeing Services – University of Nottingham
• NHS Practitioner Health – Confidential support for NHS staff
• The Wellbeing GP – Dr Helen Garr’s official site
• The Wellbeing GP on Instagram
• Samaritans – 24/7 confidential support
• PAPYRUS – Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Mental health support for men and young people
• Mind – Mental health support and advocacy
• Help in a Crisis – Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS
• Mind Wellness Action Plan (Workplace tool)
• Marie Kond

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🎙️ Dr Helen Garr Part 1 – Burnout & Finding Confidence Throughout Your Career
With Special Guest Host, Sam Roberts

Welcome to a two-part special exploring burnout and mental health in the NHS and beyond. In this first episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr Helen Garr – Medical Director of NHS Practitioner Health and widely known as The Wellbeing GP.

Helen shares her personal journey through the world of medicine – from battling imposter syndrome to becoming the confident, compassionate leader she is today. We explore how to spot the early signs of burnout using tools like “temperature checking”, and the importance of tuning into what fuels or drains your wellbeing. We also discuss the prevalence and causes of burnout in the NHS, and why recognising these pressures is a vital step toward change.

Expect warmth, honesty, and a few laughs too. We’ll also help you identify your “positive mood blowers” — the people that lift your energy - and how a big-headed book might just help boost your self-belief and confidence when you need it most. As RuPaul says: "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?"

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes open conversations about burnout, depression, and suicide. Please listen with care, and know support is available.

🔗 Support & Resources
If you're struggling or affected by anything discussed in this episode, you're not alone. These resources are here to help:

• Student Emergency Support – University of Nottingham
  
  
• Student Wellbeing Services – University of Nottingham
  
  
• NHS Practitioner Health – Confidential support for NHS staff
  
  
• The Wellbeing GP – Dr Helen Garr’s official site
  
  
• The Wellbeing GP on Instagram
  
  
• Samaritans – 24/7 confidential support
  
  
• PAPYRUS – Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts
  
  
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Mental health support for men and young people
  
  
• Mind – Mental health support and advocacy
  
  
• Help in a Crisis – Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS
  
  

🎧 Coming soon – Part 2!
In the next episode, we go even deeper, tackling:

• The ongoing stigma surrounding mental health
• Practical management strategies for burnout
• The benefits of digital detoxing in a connected world
• How to lead with authenticity and model wellbeing
• And how to support and influence the people around you - your friends, family, patients, and colleagues.

Stay tuned – Part 2 is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!