In the final episode of our powerful trilogy on adolescence, host Nina Kelly, CEO of Safe New Futures, reconnects with Oscar Thomas to dive deeper into the emotional world of young men. 

Oscar talks openly about the pressure of “bro codes,” toxic expectations of masculinity, and the struggle to show vulnerability in a world that tells boys to “man up.” From broken friendships to healing after heartbreak, and from navigating social anxiety to rediscovering self-worth, Oscar’s wisdom shines through as he speaks from lived experience. 

This is a must-listen for educators, parents, mental health professionals—or anyone seeking to understand and support the next generation of boys as they learn to become emotionally healthy men. 

In this powerful follow-up episode, host Nina Kelly, CEO of Safe New Futures, sits down again with Oscar Thomas—a young man whose raw honesty and lived experience shed light on the struggles that many adolescents face today. From bullying, body image, and mental health to the pressure of relationships and navigating anger, Oscar opens up about his journey through the chaos of school life, the pain of being misunderstood, and how Safe New Futures life-changing programme helped him take control of his future. 

Together, they discuss the unseen cry for help behind so-called “bad behaviour,” the harsh reality of school hierarchies, and the emotional toll of growing up without support. A must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about youth mental health. 

🔊 Real talk. No filters. Just truth. 

In the first episode of our new series on adolescence, host Nina Kelly sits down with Oscar Thomas, a young adult who opens up about overcoming debilitating anxiety, bullying, and social isolation. From living in fear to finding strength through doing our Safe New Futures youth programme, Oscar shares raw insights on school trauma, the pressure of social media, and the disconnection plaguing today’s youth. A powerful conversation about mental health, resilience, and the search for real-world connection. 

In this raw and deeply moving episode, Safe New Futures CEO Nina Kelly sits down with Senior CAMHS Nurse Jenny Plasidi to confront the quiet devastation of ambiguous loss — the kind of grief that hits when someone is still physically present, but no longer the same. Jenny opens about the slow, painful journey of caring for her mother with vascular dementia, and the emotional toll of grieving someone who's still alive. 

With unflinching honesty, she shares what it means to love through loss, hold on to faith through fading memories, and find resilience in the everyday heartbreak. 

Navigating Life Beyond Ambiguous Loss" 

When closure is impossible, how do we move forward? 

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Nina shares her journey through ambiguous loss—a form of grief experienced when a loved one is physically absent but psychologically present, or physically present but emotionally unreachable. From the sudden disappearance of her parents in childhood to the decades-long search for healing, Nina opens up about navigating the pain, confusion, and hope that ambiguous loss brings. 

We explore the profound impact this type of loss has on individuals and families, the limitations of traditional grief approaches, and the unique paths toward healing—through gratitude, truth-telling, and alternative therapies like EMDR and hypnotherapy. 

Nina’s story offers a powerful reminder: even when goodbye isn’t possible, transformation is. Join us for an honest conversation about trauma, resilience, and reclaiming wholeness in a world without certainty. 

In this final episode on workplace loneliness, the focus shifts to the importance of supportive peer networks. 

Michael Holbrow, Managing Director at Inspired Leadership Solutions, shares insights from his experience running a consultancy from home, revealing key strategies for staying connected and engaged. Peter Taylor, Partner at Paris Smith, highlights the role of confidentiality and accountability in fostering trust within professional support networks. 

Together, they explore how to create safe, friendly, and non-judgmental environments where individuals feel empowered to be their authentic selves. They also discuss the importance of clear and consistent communication for remote, hybrid, and in-office teams. 

Hosted by Nina Kelly, CEO of Safe New Futures, this episode wraps up the conversation on loneliness in the workplace, offering practical takeaways for leaders and teams. Join us as we close this season and continue to explore modern workplace challenges in the episodes to come. 

If you would like to know more about the Transforming Mindsets programmes that we run in the workplace, please go to CT&D - Empowering SMEs through CBT Courses - Choices Training & Development or email at [email protected] 

Leadership can be isolating, with 32% of senior managers reporting frequent loneliness—nearly twice the average. 

In this episode, Peter Taylor, Senior Partner at Paris Smith, shares personal experiences of navigating difficult times, embracing vulnerability, and seeking support. Michael Holbrow, Managing Director at Inspired Leadership Solutions, reflects on leading a company in Poland while living in a hotel, overcoming isolation, and staying connected. 

Their key insights? Authenticity, consistency, purpose, courage, support for others, and curiosity. 

Hosted by Nina Kelly, CEO of Safe New Futures, this conversation highlights the often-overlooked struggles of leadership loneliness. 

Links form Episode 4: 

Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions (cdc.gov) 

https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/health-impact/ 

Leadership can be isolating—32% of senior managers report feeling lonely, nearly twice the average. 

Peter Taylor, Senior Partner at Paris Smith, shares personal challenges, the power of vulnerability, and seeking support. Michael Holbrow, MD at Inspired Leadership Solutions, reflects on leading unexpectedly in Poland while living in a hotel, navigating isolation, and staying connected. 

Their advice? Be true to yourself, stay consistent, have purpose, be courageous, support others, and stay curious. 

Hosted by Nina Kelly, CEO of Safe New Futures, this episode explores the hidden struggles of leadership loneliness. 

Links from Episode 3: 

Loneliness at work - Safe New Futures 

Loneliness at work report | research | British Red Cross 

Loneliness and mental health at work - Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org) 

Remote work challenges leaders to maintain connection and engagement. Peter Taylor, Partner at Paris Smith, shares how his firm adapted during the pandemic, fostering a thriving workplace. 

Michael Holbrow, MD at Inspired Leadership Solutions, explores "remote leadership syndrome," offering strategies to inspire teams from a distance and create virtual ‘water cooler’ moments. 

Together, they address workplace loneliness, especially among young professionals, and how businesses can combat it. 

Hosted by Nina Kelly, CEO of Safe New Futures, this episode explores building connection and belonging in the digital workplace. 

Links from Episode 2: 

World Health Organization 

Loneliness at work report | research | British Red Cross 

One in five workers feel lonely at work on a typical day, even when surrounded by colleagues. Additionally, almost a quarter (23%) say workplace loneliness has impacted their mental health, according to Mental Health UK. 

In this episode, Peter Taylor, Senior Partner at law firm Paris Smith, shares how he has identified loneliness within his workplace, the steps companies can take to raise awareness, and the role of authenticity and vulnerability in tackling this issue. 

Michael Holbrow, Managing Director at Inspired Leadership Solutions, explores how loneliness acts as a quiet disruptor in the workplace and why both senior managers and young professionals are among the most at-risk groups. 

Hosted by Nina Kelly, CEO of Safe New Futures—a charity helping individuals overcome mild to moderate mental health challenges and transition into employment, education, or training—this discussion sheds light on workplace loneliness, an issue often overlooked. 

Join us in this important conversation, and stay tuned as we continue to address modern-day challenges that too often go ignored. 

Links from Episode 1: 

World Health Organization 

Co-Op and New Economics Foundation 

Loneliness and mental health at work - Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)