We have a new episode for you! In this conversation, we discuss allyship almost three years on from our first episode on the topic, a conversation that remains essential for building stronger, fairer communities.

What does allyship really mean? How does it show up in our everyday lives, our workplaces and the wider society we’re all navigating? In this episode, we explore the many layers of allyship, from the quiet, intentional actions that make someone feel seen and supported to the bigger, collective efforts that can challenge inequality and drive meaningful change.

We talk about why allyship can feel uncomfortable or uncertain at times, and why that discomfort is often part of the learning journey. This episode is sure to get you talking and will leave you with practical approaches we can all take to stand alongside different groups in ways that are genuine, accountable and impactful.

This episode is a reminder that allyship isn’t a badge, it’s a continuous practice rooted in empathy, curiosity and action.

Tune in, share and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we dive into an important and timely question: what does it mean to be British today? Against the backdrop of a rising far-right movement and growing social divides, we explore how ideas of identity, belonging and community are being shaped and challenged in the UK right now.

What does “Britishness” mean in a society that’s increasingly diverse but also increasingly polarised? How do we hold onto shared values when fear and exclusion are on the rise? Together, we discuss the current context, the stories, symbols and power dynamics that influence who gets to belong and whose voices are pushed to the margins.

Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation.

Instagram: @matterspodcast 

LinkedIn: Social Matters 

Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, The Social Matters Podcast team takes you inside the launch of the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding, a two-day international event hosted by Durham University and created by Professor Carlene Firmin.

The Centre marks a new chapter in how we understand and respond to the safety of young people, recognising that protection must extend beyond the home to the spaces where adolescents spend their lives: schools, neighbourhoods, online and among peers.

Joined by a remarkable panel of guests whose collective work has shaped safeguarding policy, practice and research across the UK and beyond, this episode brings together:

Jimmy Paul, Head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and advocate for public health approaches to preventing violence.

Ben Lindsay OBE, founder and CEO of Power the Fight, community leader and social entrepreneur dedicated to tackling violence affecting young people.

Jahnine Davis, Director of ListenUp and national expert on adultification bias and the safeguarding of Black children.

Luke Billingham, youth worker and researcher focused on social infrastructure, education, and youth policy.

Aika Stephenson, solicitor and co-founder of Just for Kids Law, recognised for her pioneering work in youth justice.

Professor Carlene Firmin, founder of Contextual Safeguarding and leading researcher on adolescent safety in social contexts.

Together, these voices reflect the depth and diversity of the global movement for Contextual Safeguarding uniting research, lived experience, and frontline practice to build safer communities for adolescents everywhere.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it, leave a review, and follow. You can also find out more about the great work at the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding at https://www.contextualsafeguarding.org.uk/

In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Jade Barnett, co-founder of Power2Prevail, an organisation dedicated to empowering vulnerable young people to see that their past and present circumstances don’t define their future.

Jade’s work focuses on supporting care-experienced young people as they navigate the journey towards independence, employment and self-belief. Through mentorship, training and storytelling, Power2Prevail helps young people recognise their potential and take ownership of their next steps.

In our conversation, Jade shares what inspired her to start Power2Prevail and the real-life challenges many young people in care face when the system expects them to "adult" with limited support. 

Jade also opens up about her own journey, how her own lived experience has fuelled her passion for creating change, what empowerment really looks like in action, and why giving young people a voice in their own narratives matters so deeply.

This episode is another reminder of the importance of belonging, transformation and hope. Jade reminds us that success isn’t about where you start, but the support, courage and belief that carry you forward.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.

📲 Instagram: @power2prevail_
🌍 Website: power2prevail.co.uk

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

We’re back with a brand new episode of the Social Matters Podcast! Released just two days after World Mental Health Day, this conversation explores into a topic of loneliness.

What does loneliness really mean? How does it show up in our lives, our work and our communities? In this episode, we explore the many faces of loneliness, from the quiet, passing moments of disconnection to the deeper, more enduring experiences that can affect our wellbeing.

We talk about why loneliness can be so hard to discuss, even though it’s such a common part of being human. Together, we unpack the stigma that surrounds it, the challenges of naming what we feel and the small but powerful ways we can help ourselves and others feel more connected.

This episode is a reminder that loneliness isn’t a weakness, it’s a signal of our need for meaningful connection that's important for us.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Richard Yeboah, author of From Hackney, With Love: An Intimate History of Gentrification.

Richard grew up in Hackney and saw first-hand how the area changed. Rising rents, new neighbours, and long-time communities feeling the squeeze. In our conversation, he blends personal stories, research and local voices to unpack what gentrification really looks and feels like. Who gets pushed out? Who gets to move in? And just as importantly, who gets to tell the story of these changes?

We talk about what these shifts mean for families, communities and the narrative of Hackney. Richard also reflects on his own relationship with Hackney, how it’s been shaped by love for the borough, what’s been lost, and some questions about the future.

Our chat explores how race, class and politics shape urban change, but also points to something bigger: the ways people everywhere are affected when their neighbourhoods transform.

This episode isn’t just about buildings or economics, it’s about identity, memory and the fight to belong in the places we call home. Richard reminds us that cities are living, contested and always changing but if we really listen, we can tell fairer, more human stories about them.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.

📲 Instagram: @ric_yeboah
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @ricyeboah
🌍 Website: ricyeboah.com

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

We’re back with the first episode of Season 8 of the Social Matters Podcast! To kick things off, we’re jump right into a conversation about the idea of moments vs movements in the context of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). From campaigns to events, moments can spark awareness and conversation but what does it take to translate that energy into long-term change?

We explore the tension between short bursts of attention and the ongoing, deeper work of building sustainable movements. Why do some powerful moments fade quickly, while others ignite lasting change? How can we make sure that the momentum of today doesn’t lose its impact in months or years to come?

Through examples from everyday life, workplaces, and wider society, we explore how to bridge the gap between inspiration and action. True inclusion and equity require more than performative gestures, they call for commitment, persistence and a willingness to reshape the systems around us.

If you’re curious about how to move from one-off moments to meaningful movements, this episode is for you.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this final episode of the season, we reflect on the theme of hope: what it means to hold onto it, nurture it, and protect it, especially in times that feel unjust.

We’re living in a world where discrimination and division remain ever present, and the noise of those who want to divide can often feel loud. But amidst it all, hope persists, not as blind optimism but as a deliberate, powerful act of resistance. In this conversation, we explore how hope shows up in our work, our communities, and ourselves.

What does it mean to stay hopeful when the headlines say otherwise? How can we hold space for loss and anger while still believing in the possibility of change? We talk about the role of hope in social justice, the quiet power of small actions, and the importance of imagination in building a better future.

As we take a short break before returning in the autumn, we leave you with this episode as a reminder: hope is not naive. It is necessary.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.
📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we’re honoured to be joined by a true trailblazer: Kerry Davis, the first Black woman to represent England at football.

Kerry shares her incredible journey through the game, from her early days breaking barriers to representing her country on the international stage. With honesty and humility, she reflects on the challenges she faced as a Black woman in women's football, the progress made since then, and the work that’s still left to do.

We talk about identity, representation, and the fight for equity in football. Kerry’s insights offer a deep, personal perspective on resilience, legacy, and what it means to lead by example in spaces where you’ve had to carve your own path.

This conversation isn’t just about football—it’s about visibility, voice, and valuing those who came before. It’s a reminder that history-making often starts with someone's determination and simply refusing to sit on the sidelines.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we have a powerful and much-needed conversation about menopause—what it is, what it isn’t, and the realities so many experience in silence.

We’re joined by Dr. Elise Dallas, who brings her professional expertise to the discussion. She helps us unpack the physical, emotional, and social impact of menopause, while also challenging the stigma and misinformation that too often surround it. From hormonal changes and mental health to workplace support and personal relationships, Dr. Dallas offers insights that are both grounding and empowering.

Menopause impacts in a multitude of different ways, but one thing is clear: it deserves more understanding, more visibility, and more open dialogue. Together, we explore how to create space for honest conversations and how to support ourselves—and each other—through this transition.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

If you want to find out more about Dr. Dallas’s work then you can follow her at @drelisedallas.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk