On the Couch with Biscoes

Joining Alison this week On The Couch is Charlotte Fairall the Founder and CEO of the local, but ever-growing, charity Sophie's Legacy but more importantly than that, she is Sophie's mum.  

Charlotte tells the devastating story of Sophie's cancer journey after she was diagnosed in September 2020. Although Sophie's frontline treatment seemed to go well, 8 weeks into her maintenance chemotherapy, Sophie had unfortunately relapsed.  

Knowing that Sophie's fight was rapidly becoming an impossible one, Charlotte and her family came to the heart-shattering decision to stop treating Sophie's cancer and make sure that she was comfortable. Charlotte's background in social work informed her choice to involve Sophie in these difficult discussions and once the decisions had been made, Sophie adopted an even stronger mindset and began filling up her bucket list.   

While Sophie's bucket list was about making the most out of every single day, it was also evidence that Sophie noticed Charlotte's struggles as a parent of a sick child. Despite her age and her pain, Sophie recognised that there were issues that needed addressing, issues that would take longer than she had to resolve but they also made her bucket list.   

Sophie recognised how the needs of families with sick children were often forgotten, including the availability of regular meals to parents who stay in hospital with their children. Two of Sophie's main goals were improving the Children's menu in hospital and ensuring that families are also fed. Charlotte discusses the steps they have taken to make sure that Sophie's Legacy is felt by over 40 wards across the South-Coast of the UK and beyond and how you can get involved.  

Sophie's Legacy is one of resilience, strength and empathy and no one tells her story better than Charlotte. 

To find out more about how you can support Sophie's Legacy, visit www.sophieslegacy.org.uk today.  

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by Charlie Panayi, entrepreneur and founder of Red Squirrel Property Shop, to share the deeply personal story behind Zoe’s Law and his campaign for better melanoma awareness.

Charlie opens up about the loss of his sister Zoe at just 26 years old, following a series of missed opportunities to diagnose skin cancer. What followed was a powerful mission to drive change, working towards legislation that would ensure suspicious skin lesions are routinely tested and not overlooked.

The conversation highlights the reality of medical negligence, the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. Charlie also explains the ongoing journey of campaigning in Parliament, the barriers to change, and why continued public support and awareness remain essential.

Beyond policy change, they discuss practical steps people can take: from recognising early signs of melanoma and advocating for your own health, to educating young people about sun safety. Charlie also shares his initiative to bring UV awareness and sunscreen access into schools, helping to prevent future cases.

A powerful and thought-provoking episode about loss, resilience, and turning tragedy into meaningful action that could save lives.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by Roni Edwards, founder of Pamodzi Creatives, to explore the power of community, storytelling, and celebrating inspirational people across Portsmouth.

Roni shares how the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards began as a passion project and grew into a powerful platform recognising those who quietly make a difference. Rather than focusing on “winners,” the awards celebrate recipients. individuals uplifted by their communities and recognised for their impact.

Rooted in values like Ubuntu, “I am because we are”, Roni’s work is all about connection, inclusion, and creating spaces where people feel seen and heard. The conversation explores her wider initiatives, including Kambani events (“come, let us talk”), Girls Night In, and Black History Month celebrations, all designed to bring people together through culture, food, and conversation.

They also discuss an exciting storytelling project bringing local role models into schools through children’s books, helping young people connect with real, living inspiration from their own city.

A warm, uplifting episode about togetherness, celebrating everyday impact, and building a stronger, more connected community.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by Tamsin Hall, founder of The Neurodiversity Academy, to explore how businesses can better understand and support neurodiversity in the workplace.

Tamsin explains what neurodiversity really means, breaking it down into simple, relatable terms and highlighting how different brains process information, communicate, and approach tasks. Drawing on her experience as a workplace needs assessor, she shares practical ways employers can create more inclusive environments with simple, impactful changes.

The conversation covers common workplace challenges, from communication styles and meeting anxiety to task management and performance concerns and how these can affect neurodivergent individuals. Tamsin also shares real-life examples of how small adjustments, such as clearer communication or alternative ways of reporting progress, can significantly improve performance and wellbeing.

They discuss the importance of tailored strategies, recognising that what works for one person may not work for another, or even for the same person on a different day. The episode also highlights how employers can support staff through coaching, training, and workplace assessments, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all approaches.

A practical and insightful episode for employers, managers, and professionals looking to build more inclusive, supportive, and high-performing workplaces.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by Jane Lamer, Head of Economic Development and Skills at Portsmouth City Council, to explore how the city supports businesses, skills, and economic growth.

Jane shares insight into Portsmouth’s thriving entrepreneurial scene, the support available to startups and SMEs, and how initiatives like enterprise centers and business helplines help companies grow and succeed.

They also discuss apprenticeships, youth employment, and the importance of collaboration across organisations like Shaping Portsmouth to create opportunities for local people and businesses.

The conversation celebrates Portsmouth’s vibrant community, including its centenary year, the Lion Trail, and the City of Culture 2029 bid.

A positive and insightful episode for business owners and anyone interested in Portsmouth’s future.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by trainee solicitor Sally Allen to share her powerful and personal journey of living with an invisible disability while building a career in law.

Sally opens up about being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in her early twenties after a period of serious illness and delayed diagnosis. She discusses undergoing life‑changing surgery, including the removal of her large bowel and adapting to life with a stoma, all while continuing her studies and completing her law degree.

The conversation explores the challenges of recognising symptoms, speaking up in healthcare settings, and the importance of persistence when advocating for your own health. Sally also highlights how stigma around conditions like bowel disease can delay vital conversations and why breaking that silence is so important.

Together, they discuss disability awareness in the workplace, including the importance of disclosing invisible disabilities, accessing reasonable adjustments, and creating open, supportive environments. Sally shares her advocacy work with charities and her passion for helping others navigate both diagnosis and professional life.

From running half marathons to starting her legal career, Sally’s story is one of resilience, determination, and redefining what’s possible after a life‑changing diagnosis.

An inspiring and honest episode for anyone navigating health challenges, disability in the workplace, or pursuing their career against the odds.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by Duke Harrison Hunter, founder of Ambassador for Change, to discuss the powerful work he’s doing to educate young people on knife crime, county lines, substance abuse, and serious youth violence.

Drawing on his lived experience, including years of addiction and time spent in prison, Duke shares how he now uses his story to deliver impactful school assemblies and community talks aimed at prevention and early intervention. From primary schools to sixth form students, his sessions focus on behaviours, consequences, resilience, and mental health.

The conversation explores the reality of county lines exploitation, highlighting how young people from any background can be targeted and groomed. Duke explains the warning signs parents should look out for, from sudden behavioural changes to secrecy, multiple phones, and unexplained possessions.

They also discuss the rise in knife crime among young people, why education at an early age is critical, and the long-term consequences that are often overlooked. Duke’s approach is honest, direct, and designed to give young people the knowledge they need to make safer choices.

The episode also highlights how businesses and individuals can support this work through sponsorship, helping fund school visits and ensuring more young people have access to these life‑changing conversations.

A powerful and eye‑opening episode for parents, educators, and businesses looking to make a real difference in their communities.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison sits down with CP Robinson, Chair of Portsmouth Pride, to discuss how the organisation is evolving into a year‑round, sustainable charity supporting the LGBTQ+ community across Portsmouth.

CP shares the story behind hosting UK Pride, delivering 52 events over 26 weeks, and engaging over 20,000 people, while keeping the majority of activities free and accessible. The conversation explores why Pride is about more than just a single event, highlighting the ongoing work taking place with local organisations, the NHS, and community groups.

They also dive into the value of meaningful business partnerships, showing how companies can go beyond sponsorship to build authentic, inclusive practices that support their teams and communities. From lived‑experience workshops to tailored collaborations, CP explains how organisations can embed inclusivity into their culture.

The episode also uncovers the often unseen work behind Portsmouth Pride, including mentorship programmes, volunteer development, and community initiatives that create long‑term social impact.

A must‑listen for businesses, community leaders, and anyone interested in inclusion, social impact, and making a difference in Portsmouth and beyond.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by Sandie Davis, Partnerships Coordinator at Spark Community Space. Sandie shares how Spark has grown into a vibrant, volunteer‑powered community hub supporting people who feel isolated or disconnected and why genuine partnerships with local businesses are essential to keeping the charity thriving.

They discuss how organisations can become Spark ambassadors, the many ways businesses can give back beyond financial donations, and the creativity behind fundraising events like the annual Spark Ball. Sandie also explains how anyone can visit the space, pay what they can, enjoy a famous cheese toasty, and help fund someone else’s visit through “pay it forward” donations.

A heartfelt conversation about community, connection, and the small acts of kindness that keep Spark shining.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by colleague Adam Manning, solicitor and one of the few notaries public in the UK. Adam lifts the lid on the fascinating world of notarial work, from authenticating documents for overseas weddings to handling international property transactions and urgent business needs.

He shares the unusual and rigorous training involved, including studying Roman law and private international law, and explains why notaries remain essential for creating trust in documents used abroad. Adam also talks about his unique legal seal, the pressure of last‑minute requests, and how he and his team step in to help clients meet tight international deadlines.

The conversation ends on a lighter note as Adam reveals his passion for space, space law, and (of course) the occasional terrible dad joke.

A warm, insightful episode showcasing a rare legal specialism and the person behind it.