SOUTHPOD

In our latest podcast episode, we’re shining a spotlight on bronchiectasis – a long term respiratory illness that affects the airways and can have a significant impact on everyday life. 

Joining us to explore the condition is respiratory nurse specialist Chris, physiotherapist Brian Forristal and pharmacist Christine Tate. 

Together they discuss the importance of recognising symptoms, understanding treatment options and supporting people with bronchiectasis to breathe easier and live well.

#Bronchiectasis #LungHealth #HealthAwareness

Following on from ‘Walk This May’ and our focus on staying active during pregnancy and beyond. We sat down with an incredible mum, alongside her gorgeous 8‑month‑old baby, for a relaxed, real and honest chat about her journey through pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and breastfeeding. 

Together we explored:

• Staying active during pregnancy
• Finding your way back to movement after baby
• The ups and downs of breastfeeding
• Looking after yourself while caring for your little one

A genuine, heart-warming conversation that celebrates real life, real challenges, and real strength 

🎧 Have a listen.

We hear from Holly, a local mum who shares her experience of postnatal mental illness and recovery.
Following the birth of her daughter, Holly experienced postpartum psychosis, a serious but treatable condition. She speaks honestly about how she felt in those early weeks, the support she received, and how she was able to rebuild her confidence and connection with her baby.
We also hear from Health Visitors and the Perinatal Mental Health Team about the importance of early support, listening, and recognising when a mum may be struggling.
Around 1 in 4 women experience a mental health difficulty during pregnancy or after birth. This conversation highlights how early help can make a real difference, for both mum and baby.

As part of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (4–10 May), women share their experiences of accessing specialist perinatal mental health support in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.  

This podcast features women with lived experience and clinicians discussing the impact of early, tailored support during pregnancy and in the first year after birth. Perinatal mental health difficulties are common, and reaching out for support can make a real difference for mothers and families.  

The Southern Trust provides specialist support for women with moderate to severe perinatal mental health needs through a dedicated multidisciplinary team. A key part of the service is the specialist antenatal mental health clinic at Craigavon, which offers longer appointments and continuity of care.  

Referrals can be made through your midwife, GP or health visitor.  

In this special Southpod episode for World Social Work Day 2026, we explore this year’s global theme: “Co-Building Hope and Harmony – A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.”

Social workers play a vital role in supporting individuals, families and communities through some of life’s most challenging moments. In this conversation, colleagues from across our services reflect on what it means to build hope in everyday practice — from working in GP surgeries and integrated care teams to supporting people during times of crisis and recovery.

We also hear directly from Hayley, a service user, who shares how the support of her social work team helped her rebuild independence following major surgery, highlighting the power of relationships, compassion and small acts of support.

Together, these voices show how hope is not just a concept, but something that is created through partnership, understanding and community.

Join us as we recognise the impact of social work and the importance of working together to support healthier, more connected communities.

In this episode we're joined by the Southern Trust Nutritional Standards Coordinator Dorota Culbert and Public Health Dietitian Collette O'Brien as they discuss the introduction of the HSC Nutritional Standards across facilities in the organisation. 

They explore what the standards mean in practice, how they support healthier choices for staff and visitors and the challenges and successes of putting them into action. 

Whether you are staff or involved in catering, or just curious about improving nutrition for staff or visitors in healthcare settings, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating a healthier food environment across the Trust. 

More information on the Public Health Dietitians YouTube channel

https://youtube.com/@publichealthdietitians9636?si=pjmyqn7iCcSNcXQ9

#HSC #MakingADifference

On the latest edition of SOUTHPOD we’re joined by our Workplace Wellbeing Team to learn about the team and their roles, the support they’re offering our staff and impact they’re seeing their support have on teams across the Trust. 

We also learn about the role of our Wellbeing Champions and how the team are supporting them to keep wellbeing in the minds of staff.

We start the year off with a great incentive to get healthier. The Public Health Agency's #DryJanuary campaign is to support and encourage people to abstain from drinking alcohol for the whole month. Read more here https://drugsandalcoholni.info/campaigns/djfgf/

Alcohol remains our number one drug of choice in Northern Ireland and we’re highlighting the work of our Community Addiction Service in our latest podcast episode on SOUTHPOD.
Staff reflect on the challenges of substance dependency, the power of recovery and the life changing support available to those who need it most.
🎧Listen now and hear about
✔The vital role of the Community Addiction Service
✔Inspiring stories from service users in recovery
✔More on how referrals are made to the service
#AddictionRecovery #CommunitySupport #HSC #MakingADifference

Our Speech and Language therapist Debi, who works within Sure Start, shares valuable insights on how parents can play a pivotal role in their child's speech and language development.
And how the benefits of focusing on how simple interactions during everyday activities can significantly enhance and help children thrive in speech and language development rather than relying solely on toys or digital devices.

Join us as we raise awareness for those living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Our latest podcast features Chris Barron, respiratory nurse specialist who looks further into COPD management, tips for better lung health and the latest treatments making a difference.
Whether you're living with COPD, caring for some with the disease or just want to learn more, tune in here. 
#WorldCOPDDay #COPD #LungHealth