Welcome to the Matalan People Podcast, celebrating the everyday heroes who make Matalan what it is.

This episode is brought to you by the Proud Colleague Network.

Today, we’re diving into a powerful conversation about Pride—where it began, what it stands for, and why it remains so important. From the history of the Stonewall riots to the realities faced by LGBTQ+ communities today, our colleagues share honest reflections on protest, celebration, visibility, and the work still to be done.

Join us as we explore what Pride truly means, past and present, and how we can all play a part in creating a more inclusive future.

Welcome to the Matalan People Podcast — celebrating the everyday heroes who make Matalan what it is. This episode is brought to you by the Maskateers Colleague Network. In this episode, we mark Deaf Awareness Week with an honest conversation about lived experience, accessibility, and inclusion. Sophie Bell is joined by Cassie from our Talent Development team, who shares her journey of living and working with hearing loss — and the small actions that can make a big difference for us all.

Today, we’re marking International Men’s Day and celebrating the first anniversary of the MataMen Network! To honour the moment, Dual Site Manager Fliss Jones sits down with Lauren Smith from the Retail Trust — a support service available to all Matalan colleagues, even though we know men often turn to it less than others.

In this episode, they’ll explore what the Retail Trust does, who they can support, and the wide range of help they offer.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to recognise those affected, celebrate the survivors, and raise awareness about early detection, treatment, and support. In. this episode, Abbie Clements sits down with Julia Hassall, who shares her personal journey with breast cancer — from the moment she was diagnosed, to how she managed work during treatment, through to her surgery and eventual return to work.Together, they explore what it means to balance recovery, resilience, and everyday life

In this episode, Andrew Leong sits down with Debbi Rogers, the inspiring founder of Sean’s Place, a mental health charity created in memory of her brother, Sean, who tragically lost his life to suicide. Debbi shares her deeply personal journey, the challenges she faced, and the determination that led her to build a safe, supportive space for men struggling with their mental health.

We talk about the vital work Sean’s Place does in breaking down stigma, providing community and connection, and offering hope to those who may feel alone. This conversation is both moving and uplifting, reminding us of the strength that can come from loss and the importance of support networks in saving lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that help, and hope are always within reach.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Rachel Howley, Development Manager at The Samaritans of Liverpool and Merseyside, to explore the incredible, life-changing work carried out by this vital charity.

The Samaritans are dedicated to preventing suicide through the power of human connection. Their trained volunteers offer a lifeline to those in crisis — always listening, never judging. Whether it's:

· For people calling for change with those who need to listen.

· With people who’ve been there before, with those struggling now.

· Providing a safe space in uncertain times.

Every 10 seconds, The Samaritans answer a call for help. Day and night, 365 days a year, their volunteers from all walks of life offer empathy and understanding.

Beyond the phone lines, The Samaritans campaign tirelessly to raise awareness, influence change, and build partnerships that support suicide prevention across the UK.

Tune in to hear how this extraordinary organisation makes a difference — and how you can support their mission.

Links

· https://www.samaritans.org/

· Volunteer for Samaritans: Volunteer for Samaritans | Support us | Samaritans

· Donate: https://samaritanscommunity.enthuse.com/liverpoolandmerseysidesamaritan

Carl and Gary are back! In honour of Alcohol Awareness Week, they’ve opened the doors to the Matamen Arms — a virtual pub serving up a wide range of alcohol-free drinks.

In this special tasting session, the duo sample and rate a huge selection of alcohol-free options, sharing honest reviews to help you find the best picks for cutting back or going alcohol-free. Whether you're sober curious or looking for tasty alternatives, this episode has something for you.

Jake Mills is a Liverpool-born stand-up comedian, writer, and mental health advocate who transformed personal adversity into a mission to improve mental health support across the UK. In 2013, after battling depression and surviving a suicide attempt at the age of 24, Jake publicly shared his experience. The overwhelming response from others facing similar struggles highlighted a critical gap in accessible mental health resources, inspiring him to take action.

In response, Jake founded Chasing the Stigma, a national mental health charity dedicated to normalising mental health conversations and ensuring that everyone can access appropriate support when needed. Central to this mission is the Hub of Hope, a groundbreaking, location-based app that connects users to over 14,500 local and national mental health services. Recognised by NHS England as the primary national signposting tool for mental health services, the Hub of Hope has become an integral part of mental health strategies across the UK

This week, we speak to Carl Heathcote and Gary Gagen from the Matamen network. They talk about their lives without alcohol and what affect its had on them.