Tales to Inspire

In this heartfelt Bite Size episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, Sital Raja-Arjan shares her powerful journey through charity work, community leadership and supporting vulnerable people across Bolton and Greater Manchester. From helping Homeless Aid UK provide food for over 100 people every night, to supporting conversations around breast cancer awareness through Boot Out Breast Cancer, Sital reflects on the importance of compassion, representation and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. Throughout the conversation, Sital discusses the realities of homelessness, barriers facing community organisations, the stigma surrounding cancer within Asian communities and why volunteering can have such a life changing impact both for those receiving support and those giving it. This inspiring episode is a reminder that meaningful change often starts with ordinary people choosing to care. Topics discussed include: • Homelessness and poverty in Bolton • Community organisations and social impact • Breast cancer awareness in Asian communities • Volunteering and charity work • Mental health and human connection • Supporting vulnerable people • Grassroots community action • The power of kindness and compassion If you enjoy authentic conversations focused on lived experience, resilience and positive social change, make sure to follow the Tales to Inspire Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms. Resources: https://talestoinspire.com/ https://www.homelessaid.co.uk/ https://bootoutevents.co.uk/

In this deeply reflective episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we explore what it truly means to support marginalised communities, through the lens of lived experience. Drawing on powerful insights from past conversations, Krish Patel brings together the voices of three incredible individuals:Yatin Mistry, Alex Winstanley, and Jenny Van Mputu Dakosta, each sharing their perspective on inequality, identity, and systemic barriers. From understanding how marginalisation is shaped by prejudice and societal structures, to hearing first-hand the realities faced by refugees navigating life without access or support, this episode offers an honest and thought-provoking look at the world around us. At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful truth: meaningful change begins when we listen. Krish reflects on three key lessons: Marginalisation is systemic, not individual Lived experience is essential for meaningful change Dialogue is the bridge to understanding This episode is not just about awareness, it's about action. It's about choosing empathy, creating space for others, and recognising the role we all play in shaping a more inclusive society. Resources: https://www.happysmilestraining.co.uk/

In this Deep Dive episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we sit down with Maura Jackson, Former Chief Executive of Backup North West, for an honest, eye-opening conversation about youth homelessness, resilience, and what it truly means to lead with purpose. Maura's journey is anything but conventional. From growing up in a challenging household and becoming a teenage mother, to leading one of the UK's most impactful youth homelessness charities, her story is one of determination, compassion, and unwavering belief in people. Across this episode, Maura shares the realities facing young people today, from family breakdowns and mental health challenges to exploitation and homelessness and challenges the damaging stereotypes often attached to them. We also explore: • What young people really need from society • The hidden impact of domestic abuse and homelessness • The realities of leadership in the charity sector • Why self-care is essential (and often ignored) • How Maura accidentally became a comedian later in life Please visit our website for more inspiring stories: https://talestoinspire.com/ Resources: https://backup-charity.org.uk/

In this our 200th episode Krish Patel sits down with Maura Jackson, a highly experienced leader in the charity sector with over 30 years in social care, including more than a decade working in homelessness. This honest and insightful conversation explores the growing challenges facing charities today. From shrinking funding pots to increasing demand, Maura shares what it really takes to sustain services that support vulnerable communities. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the pressures of leadership in the sector, describing the constant "plate spinning" required to keep organisations running. With funding becoming more competitive and less predictable, charities are often forced to do more with less, while navigating complex commissioning processes and evolving funding criteria. Maura also reflects on the impact of sector growth, questioning whether increased competition is driving innovation or creating duplication and inefficiency. Through powerful analogies and real-world experience, this episode highlights the resilience required to lead in uncertain times. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in social impact, leadership, and the realities behind running a charity today. Resources: https://backup-charity.org.uk/

In this episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we explore one of the most important and often misunderstood topics of our time: mental health. Not long ago, mental health wasn't something openly spoken about. Conversations were often dismissed, misunderstood, or avoided altogether. Today, while progress has been made, stigma and silence still exist in many spaces. Through the lived experiences of three powerful voices from the Tales to Inspire community — Vicki Roberts, Pete Sincock and Pete Barty — this episode brings honesty, depth and humanity to the conversation. Together, we explore what mental health really means, the difference between mental health and mental illness, and why it is something we all experience on a spectrum rather than a fixed state. This episode also highlights the importance of language, connection and community. From the power of simply asking "are you really okay?" to understanding the role of support systems, kindness and professional help, these conversations remind us that small actions can have a lasting impact. Mental health is not about being strong all the time. It is about being human, recognising when things feel difficult, and knowing that you do not have to carry everything alone. Key reflections from this episode: Mental health is ongoing maintenance, not just crisis response Connection and conversation are powerful tools for change We all have a role to play in supporting one another If this episode resonates with you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need to hear it. Resources: https://www.samaritans.org/ https://andysmanclub.co.uk/

In this powerful Deep Dive episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, Krish Patel sits down with Billa Ahmed, founder of Homeless Aid UK, for a raw and eye-opening conversation about homelessness, purpose and what it truly means to serve others. Born and raised in Bolton, Billa's early life was shaped by strong community values, alongside the challenges of racism and identity. As he moved into adulthood, he found himself climbing the corporate ladder, earning significant money, travelling the world and living what many would consider a dream lifestyle. But beneath the surface, something was missing. Billa was forced to confront a deeper question around purpose. What followed was a complete shift in perspective, from a life focused on success and status, to one rooted in giving, community and human connection. Today, through Homeless Aid UK, Billa and his team support thousands of people across the UK every single week. From food banks and soup kitchens to grassroots outreach, their work is driven by one simple belief: no one should feel unseen or unsupported. This conversation challenges common misconceptions around homelessness and reminds us that it can happen to anyone. It also highlights the power of small actions, showing that even the simplest act of kindness can have a lasting impact. At its heart, this episode is a reminder that behind every label is a human being, someone's son, daughter, parent or friend and that real change begins when we choose to care. 🎧 In This Episode, We Explore: Growing up in Bolton and navigating identity and racism The reality behind corporate success and fulfilment The story behind Homeless Aid UK The truth about homelessness in the UK today Why community and connection matter more than ever How small acts of kindness can create real change Resources: https://www.homelessaid.co.uk/ https://www.samaritans.org/

In this bite-size episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we are joined by Billa Ahmed for an eye-opening conversation on the reality of homelessness in the UK. With over 365,000 people currently experiencing homelessness, including a growing number of children, this episode explores what homelessness truly looks like beyond the common perceptions. From those sleeping on the streets to the often-overlooked "hidden homeless" living in temporary accommodation or sofa surfing, Billa shares powerful insights from years of grassroots work supporting individuals and families in need. Together, we unpack the misconceptions surrounding homelessness, challenging the idea that it is simply linked to addiction or poor choices. Instead, this conversation highlights the complex realities people face, including family breakdown, mental health challenges, financial pressures, and the ongoing cost of living crisis. Billa also speaks openly about the increasing demand for support, the gaps in the system, and why homelessness is not a seasonal issue, but one that requires consistent awareness and action all year round. This episode invites us all to reflect, deepen our understanding, and recognise just how close this issue is to many of our lives. Key Takeaways • Homelessness is more complex than many of us realise • Not everyone who is homeless is visible • Stereotypes often prevent real understanding • The cost of living crisis is increasing vulnerability • Support is needed all year round, not just during winter Resources: https://www.homelessaid.co.uk/

In this reflective episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we explore a powerful yet often overlooked foundation of our wellbeing movement. Since 2019, Tales to Inspire has shared over 165 lived experience stories from people across the world. Through these conversations, one theme continues to surface time and time again, how we care for our bodies, minds, and ourselves plays a vital role in how we experience life. This episode brings together powerful insights from three incredible Tales to Inspire champions — Meg Holloway, Emma Marshall, and Raji Sundar — each offering a unique perspective on the role movement plays in our lives. From understanding movement as part of our human history, to reconnecting with our bodies in the present moment, to recognising movement as a basic human need, this episode invites you to reflect on your own relationship with movement. Because movement isn't just about exercise. It's about feeling. It's about connection. It's about coming back to yourself. Key Takeaways: Movement is medicine, not measurement It doesn't need to be intense or performative — it simply needs to support you Movement reconnects us to ourselves Helping us feel grounded, present, and alive Movement thrives in community Shared experiences and accountability help us stay consistent and connected 🎧 Featured Voices: Meg Holloway (Episode 144) Emma Marshall (Episode 146) Raji Sundar (Episode 148)

In this powerful Deep Dive episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, host Krish Patel sits down with Daniel Sukula, founder and CEO of the Be The Change Project, for an honest conversation about resilience, identity and purpose. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Daniel's early life was shaped by instability, migration and the challenge of finding his place in a new country. After arriving in the UK, he grew up navigating difficult environments, low expectations and the very real pull of street life. For many around him, it seemed as though his future had already been written. But Daniel chose a different path. In this powerful and reflective conversation, Daniel shares the moment he realised he could become the role model he wished he had growing up. What began as a personal turning point has since grown into a mission to support and empower young people who may feel overlooked, misunderstood or pushed towards destructive paths. Through the Be The Change Project, Daniel now works with young people across communities, helping them build confidence, challenge stereotypes and recognise their potential. Daniel's story is a powerful reminder that our past does not define our future, and that sometimes the greatest impact comes from choosing to become the person we once needed. Episode Highlights 01:05 – Arriving in the UK 01:39 – Early life in Congo 07:40 – Family influence and upbringing 15:25 – Difficult experiences growing up 29:10 – Becoming the role model he wished he had 34:45 – Challenges facing young people today 37:15 – Creating the Be The Change Project 41:10 – Building a community project from lived experience 43:00 – The mission behind Be The Change 46:10 – Supporting the next generation Resources & Links Be The Change Project https://bethechangeyp.com/ Daniel Sukula on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/daniel_sukula/ Youth Leads UK https://youthleads.uk/ Tales to Inspire https://talestoinspire.com/ About Tales to Inspire Tales to Inspire is a storytelling platform sharing powerful real-life stories of resilience, courage and positive change. Through podcasts, films and live events, the platform amplifies lived experiences to inspire individuals, communities and systems to create a better future.

In this Tales to Inspire Bitesize conversation, Krish Patel sits down with youth leader Daniel Sukula to explore some of the real challenges facing young people today. Drawing on his frontline experience working with young people in communities across the North West, Daniel speaks openly about the impact of the cost of living crisis, the growing need for positive role models, and the barriers that still exist around mental health conversations in some communities. The conversation also touches on deeper issues around youth safety, knife crime, and the lack of opportunities for young people to feel supported, heard, and inspired. Despite these challenges, Daniel shares a powerful message of responsibility and hope. Through community leadership and lived experience, he is committed to becoming the role model he wishes he had growing up, helping young people see what is possible for their own futures. This episode is a reminder that supporting the next generation is not just the responsibility of young people themselves, but of all of us — communities, organisations, schools, and society as a whole. If we want a better future, we must invest in the young people who will shape it. Key Topics • The impact of the cost of living crisis on young people • Why positive role models matter more than ever • Mental health stigma and breaking down barriers to conversation • Youth safety and concerns around knife crime • Creating opportunities for young people to thrive Please visit our website for more inspiring stories: https://talestoinspire.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected With Us. 👉 Website: https://talestoinspire.com/ 📩 For Business Inquiries: https://talestoinspire.com/contact/ Resources: https://bethechangeyp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/daniel_sukula/ https://youthleads.uk/