Joining Bally Singh this week is Raichel Corbett.

Raichel joins Bally to UNPACK all things Weight Loss injections — something Raichel is no stranger to, as she has been a user of them for two years after being offered them from her GP.

This week, we UNPACK whether the governments plans to hand out weight loss injections is a good idea, we discuss Raichels experience being on the injections and she UNPACKS the pro’s and con’s of the drug.

Please note, in this epipsde we do discuss issues surrounding mental health, self harm, weight loss, eating disorders and other issues relating to body image and weight related issues — so please be aware if these are topics which may trigger you. Please also be aware of help and support available to you if are struggling with any of the topics mentioned above.

There are many resources available if you are struggling. There are some

options below, but please remember in an emergency, call 999.

1. Beat (Beat Eating Disorders)

•Website: beateatingdisorders.org.uk

•Description: Beat is the UK’s leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders. They offer a range of helplines, support groups, and one-on-one web chats. Their services cover conditions like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and others.

•Helplines:

•Adults: 0808 801 0677

•Youth: 0808 801 0711

•They also have webchat options on their site for real-time support.

2. NHS Eating Disorder Services

•Website: nhs.uk

•Description: The NHS provides treatment and support for individuals with eating disorders through various specialist services. You can get a referral from your GP for help and treatment options, including therapy, medical monitoring, and inpatient care if necessary.

3. Mind

•Website: mind.org.uk

•Description: Mind offers information on eating disorders and has a variety of support options for mental health. They provide guides on accessing treatment, legal rights, and tips for self-care.

•Infoline: 0300 123 3393

•Text Support: 86463

4. SANE

•Website: sane.org.uk

•Description: SANE offers emotional support and information for people affected by mental illness, including eating disorders. They run a national helpline and also provide online forums for discussion.

•SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm-10:30pm every day)

5. Seed (Support and Empathy for Eating Disorders)

•Website: seedeatingdisorders.org.uk

•Description: Seed is a UK-based charity offering support to people with eating disorders and their families. They provide online resources, toolkits, and a helpline to guide people through treatment and recovery.

•Helpline: 01482 718130

6. YoungMinds

•Website: youngminds.org.uk

•Description: Focused on supporting young people with mental health issues, YoungMinds provides information and support around eating disorders and general well-being.

•Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (for parents worried about their child)

7. Anorexia and Bulimia Care (ABC)

•Website: anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk

•Description: ABC offers practical support, resources, and guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders. They also provide mentoring and a range of online and in-person services.

•Support Line: 03000 11 12 13

•Text support: 07537 432 444

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Joining Bally Singh this week is Harry Jones.

It’s a new era for the podcast. From now on, UNPACKED will be focusing on a certain topic and unpacking it weekly with a special guest. 

Joining me this week to UNPACK all things “Coming Out” is Harry Jones who works in PR and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community particuarly work with those living with HIV. He has worked alongside George House Trust who inspire people living with HIV to live healthy and confident lives. 

This week, we UNPACK whether there is a need for “Coming Out”, his own coming out story and Harry shares his advice for those struggling with their identity. 

Please note, in this epipsde we do discuss issues surrounding mental health, suicide and self harm — so please be aware if these are topics which may trigger you. Please also be aware of help and support availble to you if are struggling with your identity.

There are many resources for LGBTQ+ mental health support in the UK, including helplines, charities, and support groups. Here are some options:

1. MindOut

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people. Based in Brighton, it provides peer support, advocacy, and counseling. Services include online chat support, which is available nationally.

Website: mindout.org.uk

2. Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

Switchboard offers a helpline that provides support, information, and a safe space to discuss issues related to sexuality, gender, and identity. You can contact them via phone, email, or web chat.

Helpline: 0300 330 0630

Website: switchboard.lgbt

3. Mermaids UK

Mermaids provides support for gender-diverse young people (under 20) and their families. They offer a helpline, web chat, and resources for trans and non-binary individuals, as well as mental health support for parents and caregivers.

Helpline: 0808 801 0400

Website: mermaidsuk.org.uk

4. LGBT Foundation

The LGBT Foundation, based in Manchester, provides a wide range of health and support services, including mental health services, group therapy, and advice for LGBTQ+ individuals. Their services are national, and they have a helpline for immediate support.

Helpline: 0345 3 30 30 30

Website: lgbt.foundation

5. Stonewall

While not exclusively focused on mental health, Stonewall is one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ charities and offers information on finding mental health services and combating discrimination. They also advocate for policy changes to improve LGBTQ+ mental health care.

Website: stonewall.org.uk

6. Galop

Galop is a charity that specializes in support for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced abuse or violence. They offer mental health resources, advocacy, and helplines for those dealing with hate crime, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.

Helpline: 0800 999 5428

Website: galop.org.uk

7. Mind LGBTQ+ Services

Mind offers dedicated mental health services for LGBTQ+ people through certain local branches. These services provide tailored support for issues like coming out, identity, and discrimination.

Website: mind.org.uk

These organisations offer various forms of mental health support, including helplines, online chat, counseling, and group therapy specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK.

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Joining Bally Singh this week is Sian Thymes.

This week I’m doing things a little different. Due to a slow news week where not much happened, I thought it would be a great chance to steer UNPACKED in a little different direction and to celebrate the new series of Big Brother launching on ITVX I thought it was only right to have some fun and UNPACK Big Brother.

Joining me this week is Big Brother super fan, meme maker and drag artist Sian Thymes. You will know their memes for sure as they are most known for creating the iconic Bald Kerry from last years series.  

So, get comfortable, and join them to UNPACK.

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Joining Bally Singh this week is Lauren Wilden.

Lauren Wilden, who also goes by the name @growingoutandup on Instagram, is a mom of one, and a self confessed pop culture addict who used to skip her first lesson every Tuesday at school to read that weeks heat magazine from cover to cover. 

For the past 12 years, she's worked in some of the UK's biggest digital PR agencies helping to build brands and personal profiles for clients.   She uses her Instagram to document her mom life, foodie reviews and commentary on pop culture. 

This week we UNPACK Chappel Roan, yet again, Philip Schofields return to TV and the story about schools only serving vegan food. 

So, get comfortable, and join them to UNPACK.

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Joining Bally Singh this week is Anton Wiltshire

Anton is a jewellery designer and creative director based in London, known for his bold, culturally resonant designs. A graduate of the London College of Fashion, he specialises in jewellery that draws on Black culture, the African diaspora, and tribal aesthetics. His pieces are often characterized by strong iconography and hybrid designs that merge traditional and modern elements. He is also a former podcast host of “Put the Bass in Your Talk” where he and his co-host would break down episodes of Rupauls Drag Race.

This week we UNPACK the the Country Music Award snubbing Beyoncé, the epidemic of men and Anton talks his gripes with Black History Month…

So, get comfortable, and join them to UNPACK.

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Joining Bally Singh this week is Holly Shortall

Holly is a former pop culture podcaster and illustrator of celebs, and is a Dubliner living in Stockport. She is an outspoken and passionate about LGBTQ+ allyship, particularly HIV activism. Holly works as a Marketing and Comms Manager in social care and loves a heavily-sequinned night in (or out!) with her friends in Manchester and I’m so excited to have her join us to unpack this busy week of news.

This week we UNPACK the first presidential debate, the National Television Awards, the VMAs, and everything in between! I could have chatted to Holly for hours — what a total bab!

So, get comfortable, and join them to UNPACK.

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Joining Bally Singh this week is Kelly Gordan.

Kelly is a real change-maker who draws from her own lived experience as a wheel chair user to push for a future where disabled people are front and center in diverse, forward-thinking companies as part of her groundbreaking work with her company With Not For. She is also part of the creative leadership team within the sex industry, with her amazing work with HotOctopuss.

In this weeks episode, Bally and Kelly UNPACK the controversial tweet from Lord Sugar after an episode of Eastenders. They discuss the shows continued commitment to inclusion and how they are leading the way for other TV shows to hopefully follow. Bally and Kelly also speak about Katy Perry after she revealed what her love language is and they also UNPACK their thoughts and feelings on the return of Lady Gaga and LG7!

So, get comfortable, and join them to UNPACK.

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Joining Bally Singh this week is Yazzie Min.

Yaz and Bally connected back in 2009 over their mutual love for Beyoncé, and since then, she’s become a powerhouse in her own right. Yaz runs the incredible community network Stand for Humanity Instagram, where she’s doing the real work—performing beautiful poetry, facilitating meaningful workshops, and leading by example in making the world a safer, more inclusive and accepting place. You can check out all of her amazing work through her page here https://www.instagram.com/standforhumanity?igsh=MXdoajY3MGYxZW83Yw==

In this weeks episode, you’ll hear Bally and Yaz unpack their thoughts and feelings one month on from the race riots in the UK. They’ll also dive into their thoughts on the Oasis reunion and pop reunions in general whilst unpacking the outrageous ticket prices we’re seeing lately. They also give their thoughts on Keir Starmers plans to ban smoking areas!

So, get comfortable, and join them to UNPACK.

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Welcome to Unpacked - a weekly pop culture and entertainment news podcast by Bally Singh.

Join me, and a guest each week as we delve into the weeks biggest news stories.

UNPACKED is about amplifying voices – not just mine or my guests, but the voices of everyday people. In a world where everyone’s got an opinion, here is a space where those opinions can be heard and discussed openly. None of us are experts – we’re just here to have a chat, keep it real, and maybe even learn something along the way.

Got an opinion or want to be a guest? Slide into the DM’s over at unpacked.pod on Instagram!

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