Tales to Inspire

In this heartfelt Bite Size episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, Sital Raja-Arjan shares her powerful journey through charity work, community leadership and supporting vulnerable people across Bolton and Greater Manchester. From helping Homeless Aid UK provide food for over 100 people every night, to supporting conversations around breast cancer awareness through Boot Out Breast Cancer, Sital reflects on the importance of compassion, representation and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. Throughout the conversation, Sital discusses the realities of homelessness, barriers facing community organisations, the stigma surrounding cancer within Asian communities and why volunteering can have such a life changing impact both for those receiving support and those giving it. This inspiring episode is a reminder that meaningful change often starts with ordinary people choosing to care. Topics discussed include: • Homelessness and poverty in Bolton • Community organisations and social impact • Breast cancer awareness in Asian communities • Volunteering and charity work • Mental health and human connection • Supporting vulnerable people • Grassroots community action • The power of kindness and compassion If you enjoy authentic conversations focused on lived experience, resilience and positive social change, make sure to follow the Tales to Inspire Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms. Resources: https://talestoinspire.com/ https://www.homelessaid.co.uk/ https://bootoutevents.co.uk/

In this deeply reflective episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we explore what it truly means to support marginalised communities, through the lens of lived experience. Drawing on powerful insights from past conversations, Krish Patel brings together the voices of three incredible individuals:Yatin Mistry, Alex Winstanley, and Jenny Van Mputu Dakosta, each sharing their perspective on inequality, identity, and systemic barriers. From understanding how marginalisation is shaped by prejudice and societal structures, to hearing first-hand the realities faced by refugees navigating life without access or support, this episode offers an honest and thought-provoking look at the world around us. At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful truth: meaningful change begins when we listen. Krish reflects on three key lessons: Marginalisation is systemic, not individual Lived experience is essential for meaningful change Dialogue is the bridge to understanding This episode is not just about awareness, it's about action. It's about choosing empathy, creating space for others, and recognising the role we all play in shaping a more inclusive society. Resources: https://www.happysmilestraining.co.uk/

In this Deep Dive episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we sit down with Maura Jackson, Former Chief Executive of Backup North West, for an honest, eye-opening conversation about youth homelessness, resilience, and what it truly means to lead with purpose. Maura's journey is anything but conventional. From growing up in a challenging household and becoming a teenage mother, to leading one of the UK's most impactful youth homelessness charities, her story is one of determination, compassion, and unwavering belief in people. Across this episode, Maura shares the realities facing young people today, from family breakdowns and mental health challenges to exploitation and homelessness and challenges the damaging stereotypes often attached to them. We also explore: • What young people really need from society • The hidden impact of domestic abuse and homelessness • The realities of leadership in the charity sector • Why self-care is essential (and often ignored) • How Maura accidentally became a comedian later in life Please visit our website for more inspiring stories: https://talestoinspire.com/ Resources: https://backup-charity.org.uk/

In this our 200th episode Krish Patel sits down with Maura Jackson, a highly experienced leader in the charity sector with over 30 years in social care, including more than a decade working in homelessness. This honest and insightful conversation explores the growing challenges facing charities today. From shrinking funding pots to increasing demand, Maura shares what it really takes to sustain services that support vulnerable communities. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the pressures of leadership in the sector, describing the constant "plate spinning" required to keep organisations running. With funding becoming more competitive and less predictable, charities are often forced to do more with less, while navigating complex commissioning processes and evolving funding criteria. Maura also reflects on the impact of sector growth, questioning whether increased competition is driving innovation or creating duplication and inefficiency. Through powerful analogies and real-world experience, this episode highlights the resilience required to lead in uncertain times. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in social impact, leadership, and the realities behind running a charity today. Resources: https://backup-charity.org.uk/

In this episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we explore one of the most important and often misunderstood topics of our time: mental health. Not long ago, mental health wasn't something openly spoken about. Conversations were often dismissed, misunderstood, or avoided altogether. Today, while progress has been made, stigma and silence still exist in many spaces. Through the lived experiences of three powerful voices from the Tales to Inspire community — Vicki Roberts, Pete Sincock and Pete Barty — this episode brings honesty, depth and humanity to the conversation. Together, we explore what mental health really means, the difference between mental health and mental illness, and why it is something we all experience on a spectrum rather than a fixed state. This episode also highlights the importance of language, connection and community. From the power of simply asking "are you really okay?" to understanding the role of support systems, kindness and professional help, these conversations remind us that small actions can have a lasting impact. Mental health is not about being strong all the time. It is about being human, recognising when things feel difficult, and knowing that you do not have to carry everything alone. Key reflections from this episode: Mental health is ongoing maintenance, not just crisis response Connection and conversation are powerful tools for change We all have a role to play in supporting one another If this episode resonates with you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need to hear it. Resources: https://www.samaritans.org/ https://andysmanclub.co.uk/