One Year On: Underdogs Wellbeing's Incredible Journey

Nearly a year after we first met Paul and heard about his inspiring venture, Underdogs Wellbeing, Jo (our Marketing Manager) returns to catch up on everything that’s happened—and wow, what a transformation!

Now with a permanent home in Dorchester, Dorset, Underdogs Wellbeing has grown into a thriving community hub, complete with a flexible gym and meeting space, plus The Den Café, a welcoming spot open to everyone.

Even Paul admits he’s amazed by how far things have come in such a short time. With unwavering focus and big dreams for the future, he and his dedicated team of volunteers are making a real impact.

This episode was recorded just before the team took on the Brighton Marathon as part of their fundraising efforts—another testament to their commitment and drive.

Tune in to hear Paul’s story, the highs and challenges of the past year, and what’s next for this game-changing community initiative.

For more info - visit www.underdogswellbeing.com

Website https://www.wrecltd.co.uk
Instagram https://whitehead_ross_education
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitehead-ross-education-and-consulting/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJt0M1rBSEJKfXM9BDu8g?si=083813e51eb9408c
Twitter WREC_News
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wrecltd

It's been a while but we are BACK! 

In our latest episode, Jo, Marketing Manager with Whitehead Ross Education, speaks with Gavin a volunteer with our Together with Parents programme funded by Kent County Council. 

Together With Parents programme supports families whose child is on the waiting list for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or other neurodiverse (ND) conditions.
You can find out more here https://www.wrecltd.co.uk/our-programmes/#together-with-parents-kent

Gavin talks about the impact the programme has had on the lives of his whole family. From initially being a participant to then volunteering to now being an employee and facilitator on the programme, Gavin is a real inspiration!

Website https://www.wrecltd.co.uk
Instagram https://whitehead_ross_education
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitehead-ross-education-and-consulting/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJt0M1rBSEJKfXM9BDu8g?si=083813e51eb9408c
Twitter WREC_News
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wrecltd

In this episode, Paul, Founder of Underdogs Wellbeing joins Jo to talk about his own mental health battles and how his journey has found a gap in professional support for others which inspired him to set up Underdogs Wellbeing.

Underdogs Wellbeing provides comprehensive support for individuals with mental health challenges and their families. This includes peer support with active listening, empathy, and problem-solving; diverse services like creative outlets, fitness, and mindfulness; and tailored support for individual needs.

Find out more about Underdogs Wellbeing here https://www.underdogswellbeing.com/

Website https://www.wrecltd.co.uk
Instagram https://whitehead_ross_education
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitehead-ross-education-and-consulting/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJt0M1rBSEJKfXM9BDu8g?si=083813e51eb9408c
Twitter WREC_News
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wrecltd

Have you ever had, what seems like, a crazy idea?   That's what happened for Hayley. But how many of us see it through? Hayley did!  From scratch she researched, fundraised, made connections, gained qualifications, had high days and lows but she persevered and Child in the Wild Forest School was born!
Almost 12 months in, Hayley joins us to reflect on her journey and recognise the people who have supported her along the way!

Find out more about the Support Work in Schools course that Hayley did with us plus other courses that might start your future career journey here www.wrecltd.co.uk

Website https://www.wrecltd.co.uk
Instagram https://whitehead_ross_education
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitehead-ross-education-and-consulting/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJt0M1rBSEJKfXM9BDu8g?si=083813e51eb9408c
Twitter WREC_News
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wrecltd

Our first podcast for a while, but it's worth the wait.  We are so lucky to have Maryna as one of our adult education tutors here at WREC.  She came to us with a strong teaching and business background from Ukraine where she thought she would be spending her life with her husband and young son.
Life has been turned upside down for her and her family but Maryna remains positive and has found her way and establishing a new life in the UK and LOVING what she is doing.  She loves supporting her learners, seeing them progress and grow in confidence and she celebrates every achievement with them.
What will you get from this podcast?  Enthusiasm, to not be afraid of change, to grab opportunities, to remain positive and hang on to your beliefs.

Website https://www.wrecltd.co.uk
Instagram https://whitehead_ross_education
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitehead-ross-education-and-consulting/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJt0M1rBSEJKfXM9BDu8g?si=083813e51eb9408c
Twitter WREC_News
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wrecltd

This episode, our first recording for 2023, is very different to previous episodes.  Jo, our Engagement Manager, is chatting with her daughter, Amy, while she is in Australia!

The conversation touches on;
School life
University not being the only option
Pushing through times of anxiety and finding positive outcomes
*Suicide and Mental Health
Dealing with other people's opinions of you
Travel and working abroad

Well worth a listen to hear how life throws it's challenges but having a 'trust in the process of life' and a future vision, can help you through difficult times.

*WARNING - suicide and it's impact on those left behind is discussed which some listeners may find upsetting.

Find out more about the work of WREC at www.wrecltd.co.uk or follow us on social media;
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/wrecltd
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitehead-ross-education-and-consulting/
Twitter http://WREC_News
Instagram http://whitehead_ross_education

Website https://www.wrecltd.co.uk
Instagram https://whitehead_ross_education
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitehead-ross-education-and-consulting/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJt0M1rBSEJKfXM9BDu8g?si=083813e51eb9408c
Twitter WREC_News
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wrecltd

Our favourite episodes are the ones that feature our learners!  
Meet Paddy & Logan.  
They met through our Compass programme in our Newquay centre, have become great friends and are supporting each other to succeed and recognise their skills and talents!  Logan is an accomplished, rated BMX rider and Paddy has amazing art and creative skills.  Six months ago, they admit, they would not have had the confidence to talk on a podcast!  Well listen to them today!  They are confident, grounded, realistic and ambitious about what they can achieve now and their hopes for the future.  Definitely an inspiring listen!

Find more information at www.wrecltd.co.uk

Website https://www.wrecltd.co.uk
Instagram https://whitehead_ross_education
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitehead-ross-education-and-consulting/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJt0M1rBSEJKfXM9BDu8g?si=083813e51eb9408c
Twitter WREC_News
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wrecltd

Cameron has been attending our Traineeship programme in Brighton.  He puts a smile on everyone's face whenever he is in and keeps everyone on their toes when he involves them in his  'live'  TV presenting!

With This Morning and Countdown being his favourite programmes, Cameron enjoys his day through his virtual TV studio life.  He has also memorised the Brighton bus routes and created his own YouTube channel 'Cameron's World of Vlogs'.

A light-hearted, fun episode where Cameron has even recorded his own intro and chosen the theme music! ('This Morning' theme music of course!)

Catch up on all our previous episodes here https://www.wrecltd.co.uk/blog/the-wrec-podcast-work-recognition-education-careers-is-launched/

Website https://www.wrecltd.co.uk
Instagram https://whitehead_ross_education
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitehead-ross-education-and-consulting/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJt0M1rBSEJKfXM9BDu8g?si=083813e51eb9408c
Twitter WREC_News
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wrecltd

To anyone meeting him, James is a confident, driven, happy young man BUT when he has a bad day, he REALLY has a bad day!  Over time, through developing self awareness, maturity and a desire to be better, at the age of 20, James is able to push through his mental health barriers on a daily basis!  He doesn't claim it's easy but he recognises that it is SO worth it.  By training as a PT and helping people with physical health, he wants to use this as a route to help others fight their own internal battles.

James now has clear vision for the future and, as he completes his Traineeship programme, we wish him every success for the future.

Follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jimmycross_fitness/

Website https://www.wrecltd.co.uk
Instagram https://whitehead_ross_education
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitehead-ross-education-and-consulting/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJt0M1rBSEJKfXM9BDu8g?si=083813e51eb9408c
Twitter WREC_News
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wrecltd

Episode 5 - Meet Chris!

Now 34 years old, Chris talks to Jo about his school life and struggles, moving schools,  getting into college and finding his way as an adult with learning difficulties.  

Jo said "this was a totally inspiring chat with Chris, whom I have known since he was a child but never really spoken with him at this level!  We were both quite emotional after this recording."

Chris gives a great insight into the tips he has learnt to help him with reading and coping on a daily basis, plus shares what he would say to others and his younger self.

Website https://www.wrecltd.co.uk
Instagram https://whitehead_ross_education
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitehead-ross-education-and-consulting/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJt0M1rBSEJKfXM9BDu8g?si=083813e51eb9408c
Twitter WREC_News
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wrecltd