In this episode, I interview two incredibly self-aware, compassionate and driven young people Ashleigh & SJ  who participated in the Young Changemakers programme, a collaboration between UK Youth, Centre for Mental Health and Diana Award.

We talk about what systems change means to them, their experiences of racial inequality in the mental health and education systems and they discuss their social action projects 'Team Not So Micro' and 'Team Change'.

Trigger Warning: this episode contains reference racism, mental health & suicide. If you are affected by any of the issues raised, please check out the links below for further support. 

This episode features an original poem by SJ

Young Changemakers Programme: https://diana-award.org.uk/our-programmes-and-initiatives/changemakers#:~:text=Young%20Changemakers%20is%20a%20collaboration,health%20services%20in%20the%20UK 

Links:

• Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email [email protected] or visit some branches in person. 
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK. Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day).
• Shout. If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
• Aashna aashna.uk Provides a list of therapists working to recognise the ways in which culture, faith, religion, colour, social background, sexuality, gender and neurodiversity affect people's experiences.
• BAATN (The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network) baatn.org.uk Provides a list of therapists from Black, African and Asian backgrounds, and signposts to local mental health and advocacy services.