Vocal Rogue

In this episode, we talk with Glenroy Hemans about the importance of taking care of our health and the effects that certain foods and vitamins can have on the human body. We discuss prevention strategies and highlight the importance of prioritising our health as our greatest wealth. This is the first part of a two-part series, and we look forward to having Glenroy back on the show.

* We also want to take this opportunity to thank our followers and listeners for sticking with us as we took a brief hiatus to help our community during lockdown. We appreciate your support. *

In this episode, we speak with Nick Smith and Kath from Headway Black Country, a specialist organization dedicated to supporting brain injury survivors, their carers, and families. Brain injuries can have a profound impact on individuals and their loved ones, and Headway BC offers a range of resources, information, and support for those who have been affected. They also provide a specialist Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service that offers activities designed to help brain injury survivors regain lost skills and gain new ones.

In this episode, we speak with Toby Lewis and Dr. Nick Makwana about the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. This state-of-the-art complex works alongside four universities to support the volunteer sector and nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals, such as consultants, doctors, nurses, and scientists. The hospital also creates significant employment and apprenticeship opportunities, supporting the local economy while providing advanced healthcare services in the region. We also hear from Ruth Wilkins, Director of Communications for the NHS volunteering services.

Other campaigns and charities at MMUH

Engie UK

Sapphire Service from West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre

The Real Junk Food Project

Sick Be Nourished

* We would like to thank, Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust for the tour around this state of the art super hospital, and the episode. *

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Sandwell, about raising awareness of mental health issues. She shares her own experience with mental health issues and highlights that mental health does not discriminate and the importance of knowing where to go to get easy access to support. We also discuss a new project called the Stronger Sandwell Project, which provides places for young people to go, a support line, opportunities for the elderly to get outside and meet new people, and places for people with disabilities that cater to their needs. Useful links below:

Mental Health Support In Sandwell:

Young people (under 18)

Sandwell Beam childrenssociety.org.uk/beam/sandwell

Adults (over 18)

Sandwell Healthy Minds sandwellhealthyminds.nhs.uk 0303 033 9903

Kaleidoscope Plus kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk Tel: 0121 565 5605

For people who may be considering suicide Samaritans – 116 123 or if an emergency call 999

In this episode, we speak with Ben Butler, owner of NewGenF7, about his experiences of being on the wrong side of the law and how growing up in a violent and unstable environment can influence one's choices later in life. Ben shares his journey from being in a violent domestic household to his time in the military and living abroad, and how he overcame his own mental health issues to inspire the next generation with New Generation Coaching. With NewGenF7, Ben runs boot camps that keep young people healthy and out of trouble while mentoring them to prevent them from falling down the same spiral trap of life.

In this episode, we are joined by Bodybuilder Byron Highton and Former Boxing Olympic Medallist & 3x Super-Middleweight World Champion Robin Reid. They discuss why they partnered with Safety Guide Foundation to open a charity aimed at addressing issues such as anti-bullying, anti-knife crime, child wellbeing, and drug and alcohol abuse within our communities. They share their personal experiences, including Byron's loss of his brother Jon-Jo to knife crime and Robin's experience of growing up being racially abused. They talk about their efforts to make this information available to young people in schools and their ACE manual guide to understanding modern society and creating a brighter community.

* We apologise for the slight interruptions as we recorded this episode at their HQ in Manchester *

In this episode, we speak with Latisha Swaby, the owner of kids charity YQ, about the importance of teaching life skills to young children. Latisha shares her experiences and the reasons behind why she opened her charity, as well as discussing the need for this platform to be introduced into schools to help children develop the skills they need to succeed in adult life. We also hear from four young children, Romero, Jay, Kian, and Jaheim, who provide insight into their daily lives and how societal issues affect them.

* Apologies for the slight sound interruptions as we recorded this episode in an open venue at the Custard Factory, Birmingham *

This episode honours Black History Month as we speak with Denzil Fletcher about his late mother, Cherry Fletcher, who was a trailblazer for black professionals and the founder of the Association of Black Probation Officers as well as the chairwoman of the now closed Wolverhampton Cultural Centre. We discuss Cherry's life and legacy, including the challenges she faced as a black woman fighting for fair treatment and equal opportunities for all.

"Know The Past, Shape The Future!"

In this episode, we explore the topic of austerity and its impact on vulnerable populations, including the homeless and those living in poverty. Our guest, Vi Wood, shares her personal experiences of working with these populations through her organisation, Leslie Care Packages. We discuss the challenges facing those who are most vulnerable and the effects of modern-day slavery on our communities.

In this episode, we dive into the topic of community and whether we are stronger together or separated. Our guests, Craig, Matthew and Paige from Jubilee Jaguars FC, share their experiences when working for West Brom United football club and our joint efforts in combating knife crime and providing positive opportunities for young people. We discuss the importance of community involvement, supporting youth, the elderly populations and everyone in between, while maintaining a strong and healthy community.