The Great Minds Podcast: Recent Episodes
Great Minds Together
Collecting 'Great Minds' to work together on our journey to help solve the SEND and Mental Health crisis for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and/or social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. We will be discussing the challenges of the health, education and social care systems, and how we can best support young people and their families by sharing good practice on how we can make the system better, with a variety of guest speakers including parents, professionals and children.
In this opening episode of Season 6, we are joined by Jinny to explore what meaningful support looks like for neurodivergent people facing crisis.
The conversation looks at the Dynamic Support Register and its role in preventing hospitalisation, placement breakdowns and repeated emergency intervention, alongside real world insight from intensive support work in both community and inpatient settings. We also touch on work alongside the criminal justice system and how adapted communication, therapeutic approaches and coordinated support can change outcomes.
A thoughtful and honest start to the season that centres listening, understanding and always keeping the children and young people at the centre of everything we do.
In the final episode of Series 5 of the Great Minds Together podcast, hosts Emma, Lucy and Rachel come together to reflect on everything 2025 has held. Guided by listener questions, the conversation looks back on a year of growth, challenge, learning and resilience across Great Minds Together and the wider systems we work within.
From impactful programme delivery and the opening of the 5th Avenue Project community hub, to honest conversations about education, care and leadership, this episode offers a thoughtful and human reflection on what it really means to keep people at the centre. It is a grounded and hopeful close to the series, shaped by lived experience, shared values and a clear commitment to neuroaffirming practice.
In this honest and relatable Movember special, James and Stefan open the door to a conversation that many men have been taught to avoid. They explore what it actually means to share feelings, ask for support, and break away from the long standing idea that men must stay strong and silent.
This episode is rooted in real lived experience, gentle humour, and genuine care. It shines a light on why mens voices matter, how supportive relationships grow, and how we can all play a part in changing the way society understands mens mental health.
In this insightful episode, host Michelle is joined by Kirsty, a Consultant Psychotherapist, and Daria, a Social Work consultant from Great Minds Together, to explore the importance of supporting neurodivergent young people through understanding, empathy, and flexibility.
The conversation focuses on creating safe, person-centred environments that empower young people to express their needs, goals, and aspirations. Together, they unpack the systemic barriers professionals often face and emphasise the value of open-minded, collaborative approaches to achieving better outcomes for every young person.
In this episode, Michelle sits down with Liz Walls to unpack what it really means to be a Personal Assistant (PA), exploring the diverse roles, responsibilities, and lived experiences behind the title.
They discuss what makes the PA role so vital, how parents and carers can access funded training through Skills for Care, and why understanding the employer–employee relationship is key when supporting neurodivergent children, young people, and adults.
The conversation highlights the importance of user-led training, available funding, and how to navigate the often-confusing world of recruitment, legislation, and support.
🎥 Video's Mentioned in this episode:
- Skills for Care’s 3-Year Strategy
- Abi Bubb on Being an Individual Employer
🔗 Useful Links:
- Training booking (North West)
- Skills for Care Website
- Great Minds Together
Tune in for practical insights, relatable stories, and guidance to help you make the most of the support available through Skills for Care and GMT.
In this episode of the GMT Podcast, we dive deep into the complexities of behaviour and societal expectations with our special guest and Great Minds Ambassador, Stephanie Davies.
Ahead of Behaviour Awareness Week, we explore the impact of misinterpreted behaviours, the challenges faced in the public eye, and the importance of understanding neurodiversity.
Join us as we discuss personal journeys, the need for systemic change in education, and the launch of our exciting new 'But Why?' podcast campaign. Don't miss this insightful conversation that challenges norms and advocates for a more inclusive society.
In this episode, Michelle Myers speaks with Caroline, the founder of Parents in Mind, about her journey as a parent navigating the challenges of raising a child with autism. They discuss the struggles faced within the education and health systems, the impact of COVID-19 on schooling, and the importance of support networks. Caroline shares her experiences and insights on creating a supportive community for parents, empowering them with knowledge and resources, and the future aspirations for Parents in Mind.
In this episode, Michelle Myers is joined by Cerys and Akira to explore what it is like growing up as a neurodivergent young person in today's world. Through honest and open conversation and personal insights, they share their experiences of navigating education and relationships and the struggles they have faced fitting into a society that often misunderstands neurodiversity.
✨ Season 5 is here – with a brand new look, feel, and focus! ✨
After some time away, the Great Minds Together podcast is back; refreshed, re-energised, and ready to spark change. In our first episode of the new series, CEO Emma Mander and Executive Director Lucy Dimond take you behind the scenes of GMT’s journey, from humble beginnings to influencing change on a national scale.
We talk openly about:
Growing an organisation while staying true to your values
The realities (and challenges) of creating true inclusivity
Why the current education, health, and social care systems are failing – and how we can fix them
Our ambitious vision for systemic change across the UK Game-changing projects, including the Hampshire & Isle of Wight needs-led pathway
It’s raw, honest, and full of hope for a better future for children, families, and the professionals who support them.
In this Podcast, we explore the power of Neurodiversity in the workplace—why it matters and what we do to foster a fully inclusive environment. Our staff, Michelle, Annie, and Matthew, share personal experiences and expert insights on breaking down stigma, creating supportive workspaces, and implementing processes that help neurodivergent employees thrive.
In this Podcast, Michelle Myers, Head of Autism Central, Central Services and Inclusive Practice, Annie Tilleke, Inclusive Practice Manager & North West Autism Central Wraparound Coordinator Leadand Emily Duxbury, Complex Case Practitioner discuss Children's Mental Health Week and share helpful information and strategies for identifying and supporting mental health.
SERIES FOUR - Episode Nine - Situational Mutism
In this Podcast, Michelle Myers, Head of Autism Central, Central Services and Inclusive Practice, is joined by Suzy Zito, Deputy Head of Outreach as they discuss the complexities of this often misunderstood anxiety disorder where people find themselves unable to speak in specific situations.
In this Podcast, Lucy Dimond, Executive Director at Great Minds Together and Anthony Gillfillan and Jeff Burns both from the Early Help Team in Manchester discuss what Early Help support looks like and how families can access it.
In this Podcast, Michelle Myers is joined by Ailsa McDougall, Caseholding Supervisor and Jacob Lennon, Young Peoples Champion, in which Jacob discusses the challenges young people face as they transition through the education system and he shares his own experiences.
In this Podcast Michelle Myers and Liz Walls discuss the challenges parents may experience during the Summer holidays.
SERIES FOUR - Episode Five
In this podcast Michelle and Jamie discuss Learning Disability Week
SERIES FOUR - Episode Four - Mental Health Awareness
In this episode, Michelle Myers, our Head of Autism Central and Inclusive Practice discusses the celebrations and challenges of Mental Health Awareness with Kirsty Edgson.
www,greatmindstogether.co.uk
www.autismcentral.org.uk
info@greatmindstogether.co.uk
On this episode, Michelle Myers and Emma Mander are joined by the wonderfully inspirational Stephanie Davis to celebrate Autism Acceptance Week.
We are truly honoured to have Stephanie as our Ambassador for Great Minds Together, to help promote awareness and help with understanding around Autism, Neurodiversity and the need behind behaviour in children.
Over the next 12 months we will be embarking on a number of campaigns together to help society move towards being more inclusive for neurodivergent people, and to encourage schools and children's homes to consider more therapeutic behaviour policies and approaches which will in turn support the mental health of neurodivergent children and young people, as well as their parents/carers more positively.
If you would like to get involved, you can email us at info@gmt.team
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
www.autismcentral.org.uk
In this episode Michelle Myers, our Head of Autism Central and Inclusive Practice discusses the celebrations and challenges of Neurodiversity with Ailsa McDougall and Emily Duxbury.
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
www.autismcentral.org.uk
In this episode, Michelle Myers, Lucy Dimond and Jinnie Tong discuss Childrens Mental Health Week and share some helpful information and strategies around how best to identify and support children's Mental Health.
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
Ailsa McDougall and Michelle Myers speak to Emma about how families can best support their neurodivergent family members in the holiday periods.
In this episode Hayley Morris talks about the service she manages in Great Minds Together and the challenges we face system wide when supporting the 'forgotten children' of our society.
This episode, the lovely Michelle, our North West Autism Central Hub Lead, talks about her personal experiences in the workplace and in life, being an Autistic adult.
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
www.autismcentral.org.uk
This episode we talk to the lovely Stacey Walker, a SENCO at a Multi Acadamy Trust in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
Stacey talks to us about the challenges and rewards of being a SENCO in a mainstream environment, and gives some great guidance on how we can best support our young people with SEND by making some easy changes to our approach across the Education system.
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
In this episode, we welcome Karen Hardman, an ex-teacher to discuss the teacher strikes, why they are happening and why so many teachers are leaving the profession.
In this podcast we share lot's of helpful websites and phone numbers, if your child is struggling with their mental health, or you as their parent have concerns about their mental health.
Supporting Place to Be's Mental Health Awareness Week - 6th - 12th February 2023 - The theme this year is: Let's Connect!
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
This season we will be talking all about 'behaviour'. The aim is to raise awareness on how to understand the need behind the behaviour, and how we can effectively do this for our young people to ensure they are supported in becoming healthy, well rounded individuals able to feel safe in talking about their emotions confidently.
We welcome guests! If you would like to get involved in our podcast please email us: info@greatmindstogether.co.uk or contact Bird PR for more information.
0161 549 1169
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
In this BBC Radio Manchester interview with one of our parents, we discuss the support we provided to one family during Lockdown that proved to be a lifeline.
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
Here we discuss the evaluation of our most recent project delivered in partnership with NHS Health Education England.
www.autismpeer.education
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
During this episode we are joined by Vikki Threlfall and Paula Webb from PDA Society. Vikki and Paula share a helpful insight as to how and why PDA society was formed, and provide important information for parents and professionals from supportive techniques to how to ensure details of a PDA profile are shared in an EHCP, as well as answering a few questions from our families.
www.pdasociety.org.uk
www.autismpeer.education.com
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
Garry shares some of his personal experiences in this episode, along with some helpful information on supporting young people that may struggle to regulate their emotions.
Geraldine Hills talks about emotional resilience and how important this is to practice now more than ever.
https://www.inclusivechoice.com/
https://greatmindstogether.co.uk/
In this episode we talk to Andy Smith, founder of Spectrum Gaming.
We ask questions on behalf of parents and carers and talk about a range of things including the importance of language and the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers.
https://www.spectrumgaming.net/
https://autismpeer.education/
https://greatmindstogether.co.uk/
One of our Directors gives advice about transition for children and young people with special educational needs in this BBC Radio Manchester episode.
Emma Mander talks about how we need to look out for the children and young people that may have an unidentified or unmet need and how we can do things differently to support the children now more than ever. "We need to look at how we can support the children, not expect them to conform to society, now more than ever"
Thank you to BBC Radio Manchester
Jenny Loughran is a SEND parent as well as one of the founders of Action4SEND. Jenny shares her lived experience, having to navigate the complex processes when applying for an EHCP, she talks about the challenges she faced and how she overcame them. Jenny eventually requested an EHCP herself and gathered all necessary evidence. We hope you enjoy this really helpful podcast.
We would like to thank the NHS - Health Education England for their support on this project.
www.autismpeer.education
www.action4send.co.uk
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
In this episode we ask Doctor Rick, Tameside Radio's resident GP what his thoughts are on the current 3 different vaccines being distributed for Coronavirus. We ask what the differences are, whether they are safe and clear up some of the myths in the media.
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions for this podcast and thank you to Dr Rick for taking the time out to discuss this really important subject. We look forward to having him on again for further discussions around mental health, young people and their families.
We would also like to thank Quest Media Network for sponsoring this podcast.
https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
In this episode you can listen to a podcast version of the video delivered by Emma Mander and Meg Walls on the Autism Peer Education site: www.autismpeer.education
Emma and Meg talk about the project, their recent partnership with the NHE - Health Education England and provide information on the support available for families and professionals in order to best support people with Autism, and prevent mental health needs and hospitalisation, by creating more awareness and understanding.
Thank you to the people that have contributed to this project so far, and we welcome anybody who would like to get involved, just email us at: hello@autismpeer.education
There are details on the Autism Peer Education website of upcoming events delivered by some of the industry's experts and expert parents and carers, so make sure you check it out.
Thank you to:
www.mycpo.co.uk
www.cudox.co.uk
www.spectrumgaming.net
Twitter: @gfreeman2012
www.inclusivechoice.co.uk
www.action4send.co.uk
The founders of Great Minds Together have been working on a Resolution model for the past 18 months. The model itself is made up of four elements:
- Parent Champion
- Wraparound Support for all the family
- Increasing awareness and understanding for professionals
- Central point of Resolution for families and professionals
As a result of collaboration with a number of parents and professionals, Emma, Meg and Geraldine decided to form The Resolution Service. A solution focussed independent body of people from all sides of the table, in order to work towards a new way.
In this episode, we talk to Geraldine Hills, who explains in detail how she sees the Parent Champion model element operating as part of The Great Minds Model.
Geraldine is truly inspirational and has a passion for change. Her story is remarkable and we hope you enjoy listening to her as much as we do.
flipthenarrative
In this episode we interview Catherine O’Sullivan, a Speech and Language Therapist based in Manchester.
Catherine talks about why she became a Speech and Language Therapist and the challenges they face today and gives advice to newly qualified speech and language therapists.
Further into the episode, Catherine provides some tips for families and schools on how to best approach the re-integration back to school, and how to best support children with talking about how they feel about their experiences during lockdown.
If you would like to be a guest on our podcast, please get in touch: info@greatmindstogether.co.uk
Emma, Meg & Rachel
Great Minds Together
www.greatmindstogether.co.uk
Liam and Abbie talk about how they felt when Lockdown was announced, and discuss things to do during lockdown in the hope they can help other children their age that might be struggling.
In this conversational episode, we talk about the challenges of lockdown but also the positives that have presented as a result of the world slowing down. We discuss the implications of services working from home, and the differences we have noticed.
In our first episode, we hope it gives you an opportunity to get to know us a little better and understand our aims as we roll out the Great Minds model nationwide and how the Great Minds model has developed over the course of the last 9 weeks during COVID-19.
Next week, we have our first guest, Catherine O'Sullivan who is a Speech and Language Therapist. Feel free to email in any questions for Catherine to: info@greatmindstogether.co.uk
Happy listening!
Emma, Meg & Rachel
Great Minds Together
Welcome to The Great Minds Podcast!
Join Emma Mander & Meg Walls for their topical Podcast, discussing special educational needs and disabilities and social, emotional and mental health needs and everything in between, as they continue their journey to help solve the SEND & SEMH crisis in the UK.
Find out the latest news, guidance and information and join for their focussed topics on understanding a variety of needs and how to best support children and young people with those needs.
This Podcast is for parents, professionals, children & young people and we welcome everyone to get in touch.
We hope you find this podcast positive, useful and that you enjoy listening.
We want to hear from you!If you would like to be a guest or send in a question you can do so here: info@greatmindstogether.co.uk
First episode due to launch this week (commencing 20th April 2020)