All Things Mental Health: Recent Episodes
All Things Mental Health
A University of Oxford funded podcast discussing Mental Health in Young Minds. We focus on schooling, through to higher education, encouraging our audience to be curious about the mental health & wellbeing of young people during these chapters of change. Series 2 welcomes different topics of conversation from leading psychologists, policy makers, writers, activists, researchers & many more. Head back to Series 1 to hear us chat to students at the University of York about how their different interests and outlets help them to ground their mental health. This includes students working for mental health charities, all things arts from music to galleries, sports, global opportunities and lots more. We're currently working on Series 3 with King's College London. This podcast is brought to you by Aneeska Sohal, the Presenter, who is a Trustee for the student mental health charity Student Minds, and a Masters graduate from the University of Oxford. Our Illustrator is Lizzie Knott, recent winner of a 2020 World Illustration Award. Our Editor is Saul Devlin, who works in Radio and is a Music & Sound Recording student. Head over to our Instagram for more @allthings.mentalhealth
The problem is clear: our current systems rarely value the time it takes to build trust and relationships. Yet trust is the foundation of meaningful change. Whether for individuals, communities, or entire systems.
For Funto, Kyra and Millie, relationships are not an optional extra; they are the work. We know that relationships move at the speed of trust, and we honour that pace. Sometimes it feels like a two-step dance between process and relationship, but we take the time to understand our own relational patterns before stepping into the hard work of change together.
We also recognise that ruptures are not failures but inevitable parts of life. That is why we invest deeply in the ongoing practice of repair, friendship and self-care. Relational learning is not always comfortable, but it is always transformational.
The intention behind this podcast is for young people to be in conversation with each other and from various intersections of the community around Partisan’s 4 pillars. These are:
🔁 Relationships
💸 Redistribution
🌱 Regeneration
🛠️ Repair
This series explores conversations between young people, Partisan staff, elders, clinicians, and community changemakers—from climate justice organisers to mental health advocates. It is a space for dialogue, connection, and redefining what support means in a world that has not always been fair.
As Partisan closes, the work doesn’t end. Over the past five years, young people, partners, and communities have shown us what’s possible when support is built on trust, justice, and real relationships.
The systems we imagined together are more human, more connected, more equitable and will continue through the people who shaped them. The learning, the practice, and the courage to do things differently lives on beyond this project.
Thank you to everyone who walked with us. The legacy of Partisan isn’t an organisation, it's the relationships, the ideas, and the futures we’ve sparked together.
Find out more at partisanuk.org
Access the resource pack for this series here linktr.ee/ATMH
Thanks for listening!
Our hosts begin by acknowledging that the current system has harmed and continues to traumatise and marginalise racialised communities.
For Millie and Reuben, repair is not a single act. It is a long-term, relational, and political commitment. It moves beyond service delivery into trust-building, truth-telling, and deep listening. It asks us to redefine what healing means, and crucially, who gets to define it.
At its heart, repair is about staying in a relationship, even when it is hard, which it often is, and about naming harm, taking responsibility, and supporting people to live their preferred story.
The intention behind this podcast is for young people to be in conversation with each other and from various intersections of the community around Partisan’s 4 pillars. These are:
🔁 Relationships
💸 Redistribution
🌱 Regeneration
🛠️ Repair
This series explores conversations between young people, Partisan staff, elders, clinicians, and community changemakers—from climate justice organisers to mental health advocates. It is a space for dialogue, connection, and redefining what support means in a world that has not always been fair.
Find out more at partisanuk.org
Access the resource pack for this series here linktr.ee/ATMH
Thanks for listening!
To regenerate, we begin with a recognition. The current global system is extractive. It sustains white supremacy, heteropatriarchy, and dominant narratives that deplete us. Dismissing wisdom held across cultures and generations, and oppresses our communities.
Ruth and Michael Hamilton discuss how regeneration represents our refusal of that cycle. It is a change designed to last, sustained, retained, and built upon without burning people out. It is about working in ways that honour limits, grow capacity, and prioritise collective nourishment over depletion.
Communities already hold vast ideas and strength. We draw on these, as well as ancestral and cultural wisdom. Guided by the Ghanaian principle of Sankofa, we return to recover what was lost, dismissed, or forgotten, and bring it forward with care, so that mistakes are not repeated.
Regeneration is not just about sustaining work and productivity, it is about sustaining people, together.
The intention behind this podcast is for young people to be in conversation with each other and from various intersections of the community around Partisan’s 4 pillars. These are:
🔁 Relationships
💸 Redistribution
🌱 Regeneration
🛠️ Repair
This series explores conversations between young people, Partisan staff, elders, clinicians, and community changemakers, from climate justice organisers to mental health advocates. It is a space for dialogue, connection, and redefining what support means in a world that has not always been fair.
Find out more at partisanuk.org
Access the resource pack for this series here linktr.ee/ATMH
Thanks for listening!
A few people, and a few institutions, currently hold most of the power, knowledge, and resources. We choose approaches that intentionally disrupt this imbalance, redistributing power to racially minoritised communities.
Our two young hosts, Ruth and Millie, describe how redistribution is not only about fairness; it is also a strategy. Those most affected by injustice often hold the deepest insight, creativity, and solutions. When we fund, trust, and platform the voices at the margins, and respond to their needs, everyone benefits.
True redistribution also means letting go of control. It calls us to step back so that others can step forward. It shifts not only where power sits, but also who decides, designs, and defines the future.
The intention behind this podcast is for young people to be in conversation with each other and from various intersections of the community around Partisan’s 4 pillars. These are:
🔁 Relationships
💸 Redistribution
🌱 Regeneration
🛠️ Repair
This series explores conversations between young people, Partisan staff, elders, clinicians, and community changemakers—from climate justice organisers to mental health advocates. It is a space for dialogue, connection, and redefining what support means in a world that has not always been fair.
Find out more at partisanuk.org
Access the resource pack for this series here linktr.ee/ATMH
This episode was recorded shortly after a Community Impact Weekend held by Partisan in Lewisham in May 2025 which episode host Millie attended. You can find out more by reading reflections on Partisan’s website.
Thanks for listening!
Welcome to our exciting new series. All Things Mental Health and Partisan have teamed up for a new podcast that explores how young people in Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark in London are imagining mental health, justice, and care beyond our current, broken systems.
The intention behind this podcast is for young people to be in conversation with each other and from various intersections of the community around Partisan’s 4 pillars. These are:
🔁 Relationships
💸 Redistribution
🌱 Regeneration
🛠️ Repair
Conversations across each episode are guided by these pillars, which Partisan has been using for the last few years to transform how we organise, care, and build communities.
This series explores conversations between young people, Partisan staff, elders, clinicians, and community changemakers, from climate justice organisers to mental health advocates. It is a space for dialogue, connection, and redefining what support means in a world that has not always been fair.
Find out more at partisanuk.org
Access the resource pack for this series here linktr.ee/ATMH
Thanks for listening!
“Life as a Neurodivergent Student” is a new podcast series co-created by Student Minds and All Things Mental Health, designed to explore and share the lived experiences of neurodivergent students in higher education. Drawing on research, clinical insight, and student-led steering groups, the series opens conversations around support, representation and navigating university life as a neurodivergent student. In each episode, students share and reflect on their own, unique, personal experiences, the lessons they have learned and their own opinions about life as a neurodivergent student.
In the final episode, Esther and James explore what it means to step beyond university life into placements, years abroad and apprenticeships. They share personal stories of asking for reasonable adjustments during interviews and in the workplace, and explain the differences between Disabled Students’ Allowances and Access to Work. This episode explores how to navigate sensory and emotional challenges in new professional and international settings.
Head to our linktree for resources specially tailored for neurodiverse students by podcast hosts and our researcher in residence https://linktr.ee/ATMH
Thanks for listening!
“Life as a Neurodivergent Student” is a new podcast series co-created by Student Minds and All Things Mental Health, designed to explore and share the lived experiences of neurodivergent students in higher education. Drawing on research, clinical insight, and student-led steering groups, the series opens conversations around support, representation and navigating university life as a neurodivergent student. In each episode, students share and reflect on their own, unique, personal experiences, the lessons they have learned and their own opinions about life as a neurodivergent student.
Managing and preventing burnout as a neurodivergent student can be challenging, but taking practical steps can really help. Andrew and Sarah discuss lessons they learned to manage and prevent burnout, including setting and communicating boundaries with friends, flatmates and coursemates, and finding community through peer support groups and neurodiversity networks. They reflect on the importance of making space for rest, connection and self-advocacy to maintain balance during student life.
Head to our linktree for resources specially tailored for neurodiverse students by podcast hosts and our researcher in residence https://linktr.ee/ATMH
Thanks for listening!
“Life as a Neurodivergent Student” is a new podcast series co-created by Student Minds and All Things Mental Health, designed to explore and share the lived experiences of neurodivergent students in higher education. Drawing on research, clinical insight, and student-led steering groups, the series opens conversations around support, representation and navigating university life as a neurodivergent student. In each episode, students share and reflect on their own, unique, personal experiences, the lessons they have learned and their own opinions about life as a neurodivergent student.
In this episode, Arya and Liza create a practical guide to studying with neurodivergence in mind. They share tools for managing time, focus and motivation, and recognising how executive function affects learning. They explore how they have identified their strengths and study with them in mind, along with overcoming barriers in academic systems. This episode offers lived experience-based strategies for surviving and thriving at university.
Head to our linktree for resources specially tailored for neurodiverse students by podcast hosts and our researcher in residence https://linktr.ee/ATMH
Thanks for listening!
“Life as a Neurodivergent Student” is a new podcast series co-created by Student Minds and All Things Mental Health, designed to explore and share the lived experiences of neurodivergent students in higher education. Drawing on research, clinical insight, and student-led steering groups, the series opens conversations around support, representation and navigating university life as a neurodivergent student. In each episode, students share and reflect on their own, unique, personal experiences, the lessons they have learned and their own opinions about life as a neurodivergent student.
How do mental health and neurodivergence intersect? Emily and Rachel talk about navigating university and NHS support systems, along with how to lean into your strengths and find a sense of belonging. They discuss how building confidence in your neurodivergent identity can positively affect your mental health and overall university experience.
They also discuss their experience of accessing the Disabled Students Allowance, which funds additional support for students with a disability, long-term health condition or who are neurodivergent. We would encourage all students who are eligible to access this funding so you can receive all of the support available to you.
Head to our linktree for the resources mentioned in this episode and specially tailored for neurodiverse students by podcast hosts and our researcher in residence https://linktr.ee/ATMH
Please note: In this episode, Emily and Rachel share some of their experiences of receiving support which they did not find helpful. These are their real, felt experiences. However, they are not true of the experience of every neurodivergent student. Many neurodivergent students have received support from their university and from Specialist Mentors that they have found helpful, and as they note, many universities are improving the support they provide to neurodivergent students. If you are a neurodivergent student, please do contact your university support team to discuss what support you can receive. If you find the support you are receiving to be unhelpful, please contact your support service to tell them and ask for support to help change this or to access an alternative.
Thanks for listening!
“Life as a Neurodivergent Student” is a new podcast series co-created by Student Minds and All Things Mental Health, designed to explore and share the lived experiences of neurodivergent students in higher education. Drawing on research, clinical insight, and student-led steering groups, the series opens conversations around support, representation and navigating university life as a neurodivergent student. In each episode, students share and reflect on their own, unique, personal experiences, the lessons they have learned and their own opinions about life as a neurodivergent student.
What does self-advocacy look like as a neurodivergent student, and why is it so important? Melody and Evelyn explore this shift: moving from school, where advocacy was often done on your behalf, to speaking up for yourself at university and beyond. The conversation includes legal rights, accessibility tools like communication passports, and practising self-advocacy skills you can take into employment.
Head to our linktree for resources specially tailored for neurodiverse students by podcast hosts and our researcher in residence https://linktr.ee/ATMH
Thanks for listening!
“Life as a neurodivergent student” is a new podcast series co-created by Student Minds and All Things Mental Health, designed to explore and share the lived experiences of neurodivergent students in higher education. Drawing on research, clinical insight, and student-led steering groups, the series opens conversations around support, representation and navigating university life as a neurodivergent student. In each episode, students share and reflect on their own, unique, personal experiences, the lessons they have learned and their own opinions about life as a neurodivergent student.
This episode is in two parts. In the first part, the team behind the series reflect on ‘Life as a neurodivergent student’ and the creation of this podcast and the other resources developed through the project. They also discuss some of the experiences that students shared with them during the project and how this aligns with research and clinical experience. Importantly, the team reflects on the fact that different students involved had very different experiences of their time at university. As Dr Ashley notes, every neurodivergent person has their own journey, and they have unique strengths and challenges, and universities are also very different. Thankfully, as the team also discussed, many universities are also improving in the support they provide.
In the second half of the episode, Michael and Martha open up about their personal journeys with neurodivergence, sharing reflections on diagnosis, identity, and navigating life with “spicy” brains. Martha recounts being diagnosed with dyspraxia at age 15, a moment that shifted her understanding of herself, especially since she had only ever heard of dyslexia before. Michael reflects on his university experience, where subtle differences in how he approached tasks led to a diagnosis of both ADHD and dyslexia. For him, receiving the "label" was less about limitation and more about unlocking “self-re-discovery” and growth.
Together, they explore how their brains differ from neurotypical norms, and how that shaped their academic and social experiences. Michael describes feeling overwhelmed in traditional university settings, while Martha shares the anxiety she faces when discussing her diagnosis with new people. They also confront the stigma that can come with being open about neurodivergence, and how, through peer support and introspection, they’ve embarked on powerful journeys of self-discovery to redefine what it means to thrive with a neurodiverse identity.
Head to our linktree for resources specially tailored for neurodiverse students by podcast hosts and our researcher in residence https://linktr.ee/ATMH
Thanks for listening!
For our final episode, hear from Alex and Ashley about their coming out stories. Exploring belonging and community, they discuss the importance of finding safe spaces, understanding your own journey, and effective peer support. They discuss how they have navigated adversity, activist burnout and other challenges. Healthy community building has supported them along the way, and you can tune in now to hear more.
The co-hosts draw on their own experiences and if yours are different, that doesn't mean you can't find belonging or acceptance within your own individual journey.
Access the Student Space Support Package here: https://studentspace.org.uk/wellbeing/life-as-a-trans-student
Thanks for listening!
In our second episode, Reo, Harry and X explore the non-binary experience of living a double life across all aspects of their lives, including at university, with friends, and at home. Tune in to hear them discuss the unique challenges of non-acceptance, cultural constraints, and varying levels of understanding they navigate. This episode sheds light on shared and differing experiences, and encourages an understanding of living beyond the gender binary.
The co-hosts draw on their own experiences and if yours are different, that doesn't mean you can't find belonging or acceptance within your own individual journey.
Access the Student Space support resources here: https://studentspace.org.uk/wellbeing/life-as-a-trans-student
Thanks for listening!
This episode starts by introducing this series ‘Life as a trans+ student’. This series explores navigating university life as a transgender and/or non-binary student. Tune in to hear Aneeska, Anna, Izzy and Ugla explore the motivations for the series and the topics we will be covering. This series is a collaboration between Student Minds, Gendered Intelligence and All Things Mental Health, and forms a part of the wider Life as a trans+ student support resources available on Student Space.
Turning the focus to the main subject of the episode, Avery and Freddy explore Advocacy and Activism. Together, they discuss the challenges experienced by those supporting the trans+ community, reflecting on their own experiences as advocates and activists themselves. They both explore their roles in academic institutions and reflect on opportunities for building community, finding friendships, and more.
The co-hosts draw on their own experiences and if yours are different, that doesn't mean you can't find belonging or acceptance within your own individual journey.
Access the Student Space support resources here: https://studentspace.org.uk/wellbeing/life-as-a-trans-student
Thanks for listening!
U-Belong student researcher Amy will explore student loneliness with Dr Sarah Crook, a historian at Swansea University. They'll explore how student loneliness has evolved over the decades, influenced by societal changes, technology, and educational structures. The two will shed light on how loneliness has shaped the student experience and what can be done to foster a more connected and supportive campus environment today. With a guest appearance from All Things Mental Health’s Researcher in Residence, Anna Bailie, who specialises in young adult mental health and digital technologies, offering a contemporary perspective on new challenges and opportunities for loneliness.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of U-Belong, All Things Mental Health, and King's College London).
Thanks for listening!
Tune in to hear from U-Belong student researcher Victor in conversation with Dr Sarah Crook, a Senior Lecturer in History at Swansea University. Sarah explores student histories in her research. In this conversation, Victor and Sarah explore the role housing plays in loneliness and the importance of fostering community across the diverse student population in the UK.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of U-Belong, All Things Mental Health, and King's College London).
Thanks for listening!
U-Belong student researcher Finty engages with her experiences as a neurodiverse student at university with Faith Ross, a Specialist Mental Health/Autism Mentor and a PhD Student at King's College London. Faith’s research explores a strength-based approach to supporting neurodivergent students. The two discuss the importance of recognising and valuing neurodiversity and explore strategies for creating inclusive and supportive spaces where every student can thrive. This episode aims to inspire a more accepting and accommodating university culture that celebrates all forms of cognitive diversity.
Faith mentions using the SMART strategy to support her with her neurodivergence in an academic setting. This is a goal-setting framework that uses the acronym SMART to help create clear, achievable, and meaningful goals:
- Specific: The goal is clearly defined and unambiguous
- Measurable: The goal includes a metric or number to measure progress and determine when the goal has been achieved
- Achievable: The goal is realistic and attainable within the allocated resources and timeframe
- Relevant: The goal is meaningful and aligned with the overall strategy
- Time-bound: The goal has a specific date by which it must be completed
This helps Faith break down her tasks each day and supports her with short-term and long-term goals.
Thanks for listening!
Tune in to hear from U-Belong student researcher Euan in conversation with Dominic Smithies, Head of Influencing and Communications at Student Minds (the UK's student mental health charity). Euan and Dom discuss the impact of the cost of living crisis on the student population, focusing on the isolating effects of socioeconomic positionality.
Dom highlights how Student Minds’ ‘Student Space’ provides support for students struggling with impacts of the crisis. In addition, the charity Shelter provides support for students struggling with the housing crisis, specifically. Head to our Linktree for more.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of U-Belong, All Things Mental Health, and King's College London).
Thanks for listening!
Tune in to hear from U-Belong student researcher Max talking to Christian Jameson-Warren and Anna Glaze-Krayer, Career Advisers from the University of Nottingham. They explore career pathways in mental health, addressing the diverse career paths post-graduation and the evolving job market with insight from the student and professional perspective and highlighting the book 'Stumbling on Happiness' by Daniel Gilbert, in supporting the transition from student to professional.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of U-Belong, All Things Mental Health, and King's College London).
Thanks for listening!
U-Belong student researcher Jasmine is in conversation with Dr Rebecca Upsher, a Lecturer in Psychology (Education) in the Department of Psychology at King's College London. The two discuss curriculum-based interventions and how pedagogy can improve student wellbeing and promote a better sense of belonging at university.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of U-Belong, All Things Mental Health, and King's College London).
Thanks for listening!
Tune in to hear from U-Belong student researcher Jess in conversation with clinical psychologist Dr Anton Barnwell. Jess and Anton explore mental health realities at university, including self-help, coping mechanisms, and the importance of seeking support.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of U-Belong, All Things Mental Health, and King's College London).
We hope you enjoy listening!
Head to https://linktr.ee/ATMH for additional content and our Instagram @allthings.mentalhealth for all things mental health!
Thanks for listening!
Welcome to the Building Belonging at University podcast series, a collaboration between All Things Mental Health, the U-Belong Research Project, and King's College London. This series explores student mental health in higher education and forms a part of the U-Belong research project. This interdisciplinary project aims to understand university social life, focusing on student belonging and loneliness.
In our introduction episode, Aneeska Sohal (Founder and Project Manager) and Anna Bailie (Researcher in Residence) from All Things Mental Health, Dr Hannah Slack (Quantitative Research Associate for U-Belong, based at King's College London) share their ideas and insights on this dynamic series created by seven engaging student-researcher hosts.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of U-Belong, All Things Mental Health, and King's College London)
We hope you enjoy listening!
Head to https://linktr.ee/ATMH for additional content and our Instagram @allthings.mentalhealth for all things mental health!
Thanks for listening!
Our final episode comes from International students, Bertha and Oluwa who speak about their experiences of moving to the U.K. to study abroad. Each student faces different challenges but unite in the rewards they have experienced. They explore how their identities interact with their everyday experiences. Change is a constant thread throughout this episode, exploring the fear of the unknown and adapting to a new system. They conclude this series by pointing to ways in which Universities can better support International students as soon as they start to transition from home to the U.K., throughout their studies and after graduation.
Head to https://linktr.ee/ATMH for a range of resources and organisations to support you with the content in each episode.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of Student Minds and All Things Mental Health).
Thanks for listening!
Why not check out our instagram page for more content?
Just follow @allthings.mentalhealth
Michelle and Evangel explore the unique challenges they have faced as Black students navigating imposter syndrome and leadership. Michelle speaks about her expectations to be the ‘spokesperson’ for the Black student community, and the pressures involved in her leadership role. This narrative is supported by our co-host, Evangel, who explores her experience of imposter syndrome at University, and the specific challenges she navigated as a Black student. Through their conversation, the two explore the ways in which imposter syndrome can empower leaders to bring different voices and new perspectives to the table. The pair challenge the stereotypical notion of representing a ‘homogeneous’ Black student voice.
Head to https://linktr.ee/ATMH for a range of resources and organisations to support you with the content in each episode.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of Student Minds and All Things Mental Health)
Thanks for listening!
Why not check out our instagram page for more content?
Just follow @allthings.mentalhealth
In this episode, Taj and Shannel explore what intersectionality means to them as Black students in relation to their own lived experience. Taj, who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and Shannel who is a part of a faith community. Tune in to hear them discuss how they navigate intersectionality and the importance of finding community. They share how they feel seen and heard at university and where this could be better, exploring how universities can be more inclusive spaces for intersectional identities.
Intersectionality refers to the concept that an individual's social identities, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and class, are interconnected and that these intersections can create unique and often compounded experiences of discrimination. The term was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, a legal scholar and civil rights advocate, in the late 1980s.
Head to https://linktr.ee/ATMH for a range of resources and organisations to support you with the content in each episode.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of Student Minds and All Things Mental Health).
Thanks for listening!
Why not check out our instagram page for more content?
Just follow @allthings.mentalhealth
Eunice and Daniel explore what family means to them in relation to their own lived experience as a Black student. They explore family expectations, female roles and masculinity, and how family has interfaced with their experience as students. Tune in to hear more about mental health stigma at home, generational trauma, traditional gendered expectations, along with the pivotal role family can have in helping students define the importance of community, and learning the essence of responsibility, resilience and strength. This episode speaks to the perspectives of university students from an African and Christian background however some of the themes discussed may be similar or shared experiences from other backgrounds.
Head to https://linktr.ee/ATMH for a range of resourcesand organisations to support you with the content in each episode.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of Student Minds and All Things Mental Health).
Thanks for listening!
Why not check out our instagram page for more content?
Just follow @allthings.mentalhealth
In this episode, Taj and Shannel explore what intersectionality means to them as Black students in relation to their own lived experience. Taj, who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and Shannel who is a part of a faith community. Tune in to hear them discuss how they navigate intersectionality and the importance of finding community. They share how they feel seen and heard at university and where this could be better, exploring how universities can be more inclusive spaces for intersectional identities.
Intersectionality refers to the concept that an individual's social identities, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and class, are interconnected and that these intersections can create unique and often compounded experiences of discrimination. The term was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, a legal scholar and civil rights advocate, in the late 1980s.
Head to https://linktr.ee/ATMH for a range of resources and organisations to support you with the content in each episode.
(Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of Student Minds and All Things Mental Health)
Thanks for listening!
Why not check out our instagram page for more content?
Just follow @allthings.mentalhealth
Life as a Black student explores the lived experience of eight Black students studying and living in the U.K. Our aim is to move away from the stereotypical understanding of a 'homogeneous' experience, and instead we're being led by the lived experience of students in a more meaningful and authentic way. This podcast series explores the Black student experience of mental health in Higher Education through four focused areas - intersectionality, family expectations, leadership to imposter syndrome, and the international experience.
In our introduction episode Aneeska Sohal (Founder and Project Manager) and Anna Bailie (Researcher in Residence) from All Things Mental Health, Andy Owusu (Content Lead) from Student Minds and Kairo Maynard (Dramatherapist) from Colourful Minds (our Clinical Advisors), share their hopes and reflections on this dynamic series created by eight inspiring Black student hosts.
This podcast was created by All Things Mental Health and Student Minds. The podcast supports and features in the Student Space package, Life as a Black student, created by Student Minds. Views expressed by individuals are their own and don't necessarily represent those of Student Minds and All Things Mental Health.
We hope you enjoy listening!
Head to https://linktr.ee/ATMH for a range of resources and organisations to support you with the content in each episode.
Thanks for listening!
Why not check out our instagram page for more content?
Just follow @allthings.mentalhealth
This week, neurodivergent Coventry University student Elizabeth Mullenger discusses inclusion, adaptation and misconception with Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a PhD candidate from the ADHD research lab at King’s College London. Elizabeth’s interest in neurodivergence stems from her own experience of attending university whilst living with borderline personality disorder; navigating barriers and exploring new learning opportunities.
Elizabeth and Anne-Laure now both work in student participation and collaboration, at Oxford Brookes and King’s College London respectively. In this episode, they discuss personal and student experiences of inclusive, and exclusive, pedagogical environments; sharing simple adaptations that can facilitate learning for every student.
Referencing Anne-Lure’s current participatory research project, the duo discuss the importance of student participation in course design, education and research. Finally, they share their thoughts on what could make the biggest impact towards supporting, including and empowering students and HEI staff with learning differences.
Thanks for listening!
Why not check out our instagram page for more content?
Just follow @allthings.mentalhealth
In this week’s episode, the host is Tanatswa Chikaura. Tanatswa is a mental health advocate and master’s in Neuroscience student from the University of Cambridge. In Zimbabwe, her home country, Tanatswa leads a mental health organisation that seeks to promote good mental health for children, adolescents, and youths called Ndinewe Foundation; and her research interests lie primarily in cognitive neuroscience. Tanatswa is joined by Ph.D researcher Madhuri Kamtam from the University of East Anglia who focuses on labour economics, the political economy of development, gender, caste, econometrics, and social policy research. The issues we discuss in this episode highlight how lived experience shared can be instrumental in shaping mental health education and support. The episode starts with Madhuri explaining her involvement in the SMaRteN funded project "Exploring Belonging among Doctoral Students of Colour," and how this research is instrumental in shaping mental health education and support for students of colour. Tanatswa and Madhuri then go on to discuss the importance of cross-cultural validity and lived experience in mental health research; addressing some of the barriers that may prevent international students of colour from seeking mental health support in tertiary institutions. Finally, they explore how conversations around mental health and international students of colour can be translated and integrated into policy development.
Thanks for listening!
Why not check out our instagram page for more content?
Just follow @allthings.mentalhealth
In this episode, we dive into the mental health challenges faced by post-graduate and mature students in a university setting. Titus Joseph, a masters student studying Public Health at the University of Nottingham, speaks with Dr. Patricia (Trish) Jackman, Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Lincoln, about her research.
Titus is a mature student and has experienced his own set of personal challenges as he went back to university at the age of 33. Balancing academics, work, family and finances in the early stages of his program left him feeling lonely and disconnected from the university experience. In his conversation with Trish, he tried to understand how other mature students felt and the interventions that have the potential to change things for the better.
Together, they explore the unique stressors and pressures that mature students face, including the need to balance academic work with family and professional responsibilities. Drawing on her extensive experience and research, Dr. Jackman provides insights into how co-produced inductions for postgraduate and mature students can act as a preventive measure, promoting a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation. Whether you're a mature student yourself, or simply interested in understanding this important issue, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you thrive in the university environment.
You can read more about Dr. Jackmans work here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21568235.2021.1992293
You can access all resources and outputs from the Getting Off to a Mentally Healthy Start in Doctoral Study project, funded by the Student Mental Health Research Network, here:
https://lili.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/2021/07/14/new-guidance-to-support-doctoral-researchers-mental-health/
Thanks for listening!
Why not check out our instagram page for more content?
Just follow @allthings.mentalhealth
(CW: death, mentions of self-harm and suicide)
In this week’s episode, Elia Chitwa, a recent graduate from the University of Cambridge and current student union sabbatical officer, is joined by Dr Dionne Taylor, an Associate Professor at Birmingham City University. They talk about Dionne’s SMARTEN-funded research which is centred on the creation of student-led wellbeing programmes to improve Black students' mental health, with a particular focus on the implications of transitions.
At university, Elia found they were often the only Black student in an entire lecture theatre. Navigating this stark difference to their previous schooling experiences made Elia interested in the transitions of Black students, how this can affect their mental health and how Black students can be better supported.
The episode starts with Elia and Dionne exploring the reasons behind the initiation of Dionne’s research. They then move on to talking about the impact of transitions on Black students’ sense of belonging, how this relates to stereotypes of Black people and the interaction between stereotypes, identity and mental health.
Dionne and Elia then discuss the specifics of the wellbeing programmes created and the importance of co-production and facilitation. Finally, they talk about the next steps for Dionne’s research and the wellbeing programmes created.
Thanks for listening!
Why not check out our instagram page for more content?
Just follow @allthings.mentalhealth
We are thrilled to welcome back our students & SMaRteN from our collab series ‘Keeping Students in Mind: Understanding Student Mental Health Research’ for a special reunion episode! This one-off focuses on post-uni life to celebrate the coming together of mental health researchers from across the U.K for the SMaRteN conference last week.
Hearing from new and familiar graduates, we discuss how leaving university can be a difficult time, even if you have something lined up straight after. Our young people team are now soaring into the world post uni, but there’s not always an easy take-off. Fatema, Eric, Jenna and Niamh shared their experiences and frustrations with the process and tips for how to navigate through it. Life doesn’t end after uni, so why does mental health support?
Thanks for listening!
Why not check out our instagram page for more content?
Just follow @allthings.mentalhealth
In this episode, Fatema Mustansir Dawoodbhoy, a final year medical student at Imperial College London, chats to Dr Georgia Walker Churchman, a lecturer in Humanities at the University of East Anglia with a background in English Literature, about her SMaRteN-funded project titled ‘Helping Students to Connect, Create, and Collaborate in their Own Wellbeing’. Georgia led this project on student mental health during the height of Covid-19, looking into how student wellbeing can benefit from creative and collaborative experiences by producing short videos on the history of mental health using films and literary texts. Georgia dives into the various interesting findings her research has brought about and discusses her views on social media. The two explore ways in which social media seems to be running our day to day lives today and what actions we can take to curate our social media in a way where it empowers our mental health, not drain it.
On this week’s episode Niamh Burns, a final year psychology student at the University of Leeds, speaks with Natasa Lackovic about her SMaRteN-funded research project, ‘Things and the mind: students’ graphic memoir of material things that mediate their mental health experiences’.
Natasa is a Director of the Centre of Higher Education Research and Evaluation (CHERE) at the Department of Educational Research, Lancaster University. She is also a Director of Lancaster University’s international graphic novels and comics network ReOPeN. Natasa has a particular interest in how graphic art and visual media can support diverse university practices.
This episode discusses the themes explored in the graphic novel considering how materiality, things and places can affect mental health through the discussion of the lived experiences of the nine students in the novel.
Please see the link below for the online interactive version of the graphic novel (as discussed in the episode):LINK WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON
In this week’s episode, Eric Berger, a final year undergraduate student at The University of Edinburgh, is joined by Rachel Spacey, a Research Fellow based in the Lincoln Higher Education Research Institute at the University of Lincoln. They discuss her SMaRteN-funded project, “Who cares? Identifying, understanding and supporting the work-life balance of students with caring responsibilities”. Both bring their life-experiences to the conversation, with Eric discussing his time as a student with caring responsibilities for his father with ALS and Rachel sharing how her experience navigating mental health during her undergraduate degree led her down this path as a researcher. Rachel details the status of the project and her aims, while touching on the importance of participatory research.
The conversation then shifts to Rachel’s previous research on student mental health, particularly with estranged students at the University of Lincoln. She details some findings, including the need of having someone to talk to, “I think in terms of estranged students’ mental health, a lot of it was tied up with the fact that they felt unable to talk about estrangement”. The conversation rounds out with Eric and Rachel discussing the role that grief and loss play for the mental health of students with caring responsibilities, those who are estranged, or students from underrepresented groups in general, “often there can be a grieving process, but for something as well, not just for someone”. Check out the episode for more.
In this week’s episode, Jenna Luxon, a Social and Political Sciences graduate from the University of York, is joined by postdoctoral researcher Dr Emma Broglia from the University of Sheffield. The two discuss Emma’s research into mental health interventions in higher education, focusing on the thoughts and experiences of those students with long-term mental health conditions.
The episode starts with Emma telling us about her recent research project exploring how university mental health services in the UK can strengthen their relationship with NHS services and the benefits of this collaboration.
Jenna and Emma then go on to discuss to what extent university mental health services in the UK can accurately be described as offering a ‘one size fits all’ approach to students’ support.
Finally, they take a look at whether the increase in demand for mental health services over recent years has forced universities to take a more short-term focus in their support for students and consider what this means for students with long term mental health conditions.
For University Mental Health Day 2022, we’re thrilled to present Episode 1 of ‘Keeping Students in Mind: Understanding Student Mental Health Research’, a collaborative podcast brought to you by All Things Mental Health (a mental health podcasting organisation), King’s College London (KCL), and SMaRteN (KCL’s student mental health research network). Episode 1 is in conversation with Aneeska Sohal - the Project Manager for this collaborative project, Jo Ward - SMaRteN’s Network Co-ordinator, and Nicol Bergou - a PhD student at KCL who has a background in mental health and podcasting expertise. Aneeska, Jo and Nicol introduce this exciting project, with its aim to bring the student voice to the heart of student mental health research. After identifying the divide between students’ lived experiences and student mental health research in the sector, the team is working with a dynamic group of students and researchers alike on this project to unite this divide. Students harness their experiences and curiosity around student mental health and interview researchers on their SMaRteN funded student mental health research project. Stay tuned to hear more episodes from this series, as we dismantle contemporary student mental health research, making these findings accessible to students in higher education on a grassroots level through the engaging medium of podcasts. This series sets out to better support students as they navigate their mental health at university.
(CW: sexual violence briefly mentioned in this episode) It was great to chat with the CEO of Fumble, Lucy Whitehouse, for the last episode of this series. Fumble is a sex education charity. They set out to make sure that young people have the skills and knowledge to successfully manage their sexual health. Aneeska and Lucy chat more about the interlink between sexual health and mental health. Tune in to hear more about Fumble’s peer to peer support, and how they set out to have young people at the heart of what they do. Fumble’s digital content and website platform is co-created by young people, keeping sexual health relevant and up to date with what young people are experiencing today. The charity set out to use the internet to promote a positive narrative of sexual health and wellbeing. Have a listen for more, and you can check out more about Fumble here: https://www.fumble.org.uk/
This week Addam Merali-Younger chats to us about the lack of representation in the student mental health sector, and how this creates a barrier. Addam is training to be a counsellor and he also works in the wider student mental health sector with an interest in diversification. Addam explains how “you look at the whole sector and everything is based on research by quite a non-diverse audience, delivered by teachers who are non-diverse to a relatively non-diverse group”. Aneeska and Addam discuss how we can make the sector more inclusive, representative, and non-oppressive. Addam explores how “counselling should be able to be accessed by everyone so why should it not be delivered by everyone?” He powerfully explains the burden minority students face in trying to bring about change. “It’s all well and good having decolonisation work and anti-oppressive practices in name, but if the expectation is on the students to be a disruptor to try and feel a sense of more belonging, there is a need to recognise how emotionally and physically exhausting that is. But if the establishment actually did a bit more work in the first place, then people wouldn’t need to disrupt things in order to feel a sense of equity”. Check out the episode for more.
Great to have Dr Anna Colton with us this week. Anna is a clinical psychologist and she chatted to us about the importance of being honest about distress from a young age, helping young minds build a tolerance to deal with it. Anna discusses how the education system needs to change to help young people formulate a language to understand and label their distress. While this requires significant institutional change, on an individual note, Anna recommends that young people create an environment around them to help them deal with distress including, organising your life so you have protective factors around to help. Anna points out how “vulnerability attracts us to each other”, and it's a reason we enjoy the company of others because it makes them human, helping us to remember we are also human too. This in turn can help us all to not be frightened by our own vulnerability. Tune in for more.
Delighted to be joined by Dr Manuel Madriaga this week. Manny is a Senior Lecturer in Education Studies at Sheffield Hallam University. His research interests are on the process of social exclusion and inclusion related to ‘race’, ethnicity, and disability. Aneeska and Manny discuss the need for multicultural, inclusive spaces on campuses amidst the white majority higher education space in the UK. Manny stresses the importance of engaging with the lived experiences of students of colour, to highlight that students aren’t empty vessels. Through shining a light on their stories and experiences, we can understand how each student is unique, and in turn, create educational spaces that stress the importance of unity in diversity. As Manny says, ‘you can’t cheer someone on if you don’t know them’. Give the episode a listen for more.
This week it was a pleasure to have Michael Priestley with us. Michael is a PhD student based at Durham University and his research explores how higher education policies impact student wellbeing, with a particular focus on assessments and exams. Tune in to hear Michael discuss the importance of a cultural change around how we value and talk about assessments, issues around self-worth and examinations and the importance of co-production. Aneeska and Michael also share their own lived experiences as students working through assessments and examinations too.
Delighted to have John de Pury, the Assistant Director of Policy at Universities UK, join us this week. Aneeska and John explore how our mental health and wellbeing underpins our success in relation to learning. John talks about how we all have and own this experience, and why we must pay sustained attention to it. Tune in to also hear about why a collective approach to student mental health can be such a powerful tool.
This week Aneeska chats with Misha Clarke, a mindfulness and yoga teacher based in Oxford. Misha discusses the benefits of mindfulness for children, drawing off her experience of teaching students aged from 7-11. We are delighted to announce that Misha is offering a free meditation and yoga session for our listeners! Listen to the episode for all the info!
To kick off Series 2, we are excited to have Natasha Devon with us. Natasha is a writer and activist. She is currently doing a Saturday Night LBC show. She tours schools, colleges & universities around the world, delivering talks as well as conducting research on mental health. In this episode, Aneeska chats to Natasha about the importance of navigating mental health from a young age.
For the last episode of this series, we have Tom Gulliver with us discussing the mental health benefits of music. Tom chats to us about all the music outlets he's been involved with at the University of York, including Band Soc, open mic nights at different colleges, as well as helping with tech at the Norman Rea Gallery through events such as A Multilingual Experience. Tom tracks his own journey as a musician with us, from being a part of the band Kräken, dealing with the anxieties of performing, to developing his own record label Lucky Boy Records. Tom chats about the mental health benefits of songwriting as a creative outlet, in particular how powerful it can be when songs resonate with the audience, helping them with their mental health too. We also discuss the power of the positive energy that arises from people coming together through music.
(CW: eating disorders) This week we chat to Issy Tee and Lydia Jones about the work they are doing for BEAT, the UK's eating disorder charity. Issy, a young ambassador for BEAT, discusses the different ways the charity support those with eating disorders, as well as how they look out for those who are supporting others with eating disorders too. Lydia, the former vice president of the BEAT Society at York, tells us all about the great activities they have been running, offering a variety of fun sessions, as well as a platform to build friendships. The pair chat about the importance of breaking the taboo around eating disorders through stressing how its a facet of mental illness. They also discuss what they do day-to-day for their own self care, such as exercising and gratitude journals, which are tips and tricks that they have also shared with each other.
Tune in to hear from Becky Metcalfe this week who chats to us about how dance has been a consistent and great outlet for her since she was little, really helping her ground her mental health. We discuss her evolution as a dancer, and Aneeska shares her experience as a dancer too. The pair share anecdotes, discuss the challenges of performing, as well as how to take in criticism. They chat through similar experiences where they have learnt from fellow dancers, discussing the benefits of dancers of different abilities working collectively, helping each other improve and learning from one another along the way.
This week we chat to Sonya Sandhu about the mental health benefits of playing football. Sonya discusses how university sports teams are breaking the taboo surrounding mental health and sports by appointing welfare officers, with teams starting to take mental health just as seriously as physical health. She tracks her own mental health journey with us, discussing the well-being benefits of being a part of a sports team, as well as how she has become more aware about her own mental health over the years.
Aneeska chats to her Multilingual Experience executive committee, Chris Oldnall and Laura Burke. The initiative raises awareness about global issues through evenings of live performances from musicians, poets and speakers. The team discuss how their initiative has evolved over the years, raising money for charities such as Think Equal, Human Rights Watch and Student Minds. Chris and Laura talk to us about the mental health benefits of working in a collaborative team, and the creative license of such projects. They also chat to us about the well-being benefits for those who attend the events too. Head over to @multilingualexp on Instagram for more.
CW: Sexual violence is mentioned briefly as the team wanted to raise awareness about global cases for their first event, working with Think Equal to empower grassroots change.
Hear from Jacob Lindley this week who chats to us about his experience working at Harrogate Hospital Radio. Jacob tells us about how the station are looking after the well-being of patients. This includes popping round to the different wards and taking song recommendations. Jacob talks to us about how this really helps to brighten up the patient's day. He also reflects on how the whole experience has helped him with his mental health too.
This week Amber and Fahmida discuss travel and mental health with us. Amber tells us all about her experience with Dil Internship Project in Pakistan, an initiative which provides opportunities for students to intern in Pakistani companies. Fahmida chats to us about her time in India as part of the University of York's Global Opportunities Programme, as well as her solo travel trip to Berlin. We openly discuss the mental health benefits of travelling, the challenges, and what you can really achieve once you jump out of your comfort zone.
We chatted to the former director of the Norman Rea Gallery, Grace Frazer. Grace discusses how working at the gallery has really helped her with her mental health, giving her a platform to really develop her skills & passions. She gives us a behind the scenes take on the gallery, discussing exhibitions, and the collaborative nature of the team.
Tune in to hear from the University of York students Aneeska Sohal, Chris Oldnall, Danny Bowman and Laura Burke, who volunteer for the student mental health charity Student Minds. Have a listen to hear about how the charity are helping students across the country through a big mobilisation project, the 'Leaders Movement', unifying the fight through a powerful collective student voice. The group openly discuss the struggles students face when coming to university from isolation, degree pressures, social exhaustion and lots more. This episode includes an honest account from the students discussing how they have geared their own mental health struggles and awareness towards helping their fellow student community.