In today's brand new episode, Chris Alderson (SOFEA's marketing and content assistant) has come on to share his story about how music has positively affected his mental health. Chris joined SOFEA initially as a volunteer following a challenging relationship breakdown; where he struggled with his mental health and was out of employment for 3 years. Now, Chris is working at SOFEA not only in the media department, but facilitating music sessions for the young people. Chris takes us through his journey of how at some of his darkest moments, music filled the void and became a moral compass that helped him interpret the world.

email us at wellbeing@sofea.uk.com

Chris' music recommendations: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1co4F2pPNH8JjTutZkmgSm?si=3BZ8Wy5OQ1-89oOhUnGZRw

In today's brand new episode we follow Jake's journey through SOFEA—starting out as a student, building confidence, forming real connections, and eventually stepping into employment. It’s a story of growth, community, and finding your place in the world.

If you would like to support Jake's fundraiser click this link: Jake Wilkinson is fundraising for SOFEA

To get in touch email us at wellbeing@sofea.uk.com

Trigger warning: This episode contains conversation about suicide, sexual and physical abuse, bullying, explicit language and traumatic themes. 18+ advised.

November is Men's Mental Health month ('Movember'), and to raise awareness, Stephen Norris bravely shares his story of how he overcame enormous amounts of trauma as a child; bullying, family breakdowns, a suicide attempt and being misplaced into a mental health facility. Despite all this, Stephen, now 63, is a successful Vistage Chair and CEO Mentor, wanting to share his story in the hope that it encourages people to ask for help when it feels like there is no way out.

If you are affected by anything you hear in this episode, these organisations offer mental health and wellbeing support:

Men's Minds Matter | Men's Mental Health & Suicide Charity

MANUP? | MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY

Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds

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www.sofea.uk.com

email us at: wellbeing@sofea.uk.com

Today's brand new episode is with Ben Tuppen, SOFEA's Getting Oxfordshire Online Programme Manager. Today also marks to beginning of Getting Online Week; a national campaign promoting nearly 50 events around the county - at libraries, NHS, community groups and more - all helping people to learn more about and build confidence using the internet.

If you a) need digital support or b) want to support this amazing programme, give this short episode a listen to find out more.

Getting Oxfordshire Online | Helping everyone get online across Oxfordshire

www.sofea.uk.com

Today’s Shorthand episode explains how SOFEA’s Nourish and Flourish programme – launched in partnership with the Didcot Primary Care Network in January 2022, addresses 3 key issues…

1. Rising childhood obesity; since 2006, childhood obesity rates have increased by 30% nationally and in Didcot alone, by 40%.
2. Rising chronic disease in adults.
3. Barriers to health eating.

Dr Kerry Lock, SOFEA’s Nutritional Therapist and Nourish and Flourish Programme Manager talks about the 3 pillars of support that are addressing these issues:

1. Nourish and Flourish School Programme (piloted in Didcot 2022 & 2023)
2. Nourish and Flourish Nutritional Therapy Clinic (Since 2023)
3. Nourish and Flourish Community Kitchen (launched November 2023)

For more information:

Nutritional Therapy Support (Didcot only) – Referral via your GP, Diabetic Nurse or Social Prescribers

Via our website www.sofea.uk.com

Or email Kerry@sofea.uk.com

Special thanks to all of our fabulous partners who have helped make Nourish and Flourish a success including:

Dr Rachel Ward and the Didcot PCN, Nourish and Flourish kitchen magician Alex MacKay, 8 Didcot primary schools, Replenish Oxfordshire, Didcot Garden Town, JR Hospital, JDK Restaurants, Secret Santa 365, Brendan Mullard and team from Object Space Place, our lovely builder Chris from CSN Build, Nourish and Flourish community chefs Vanessa, Maia & Jane, Magnox & South and Vale Council ,You Move, & 2 local Didcot Secondary Schools 7 Fareshare UK

Thanks also to Nathan (podcast editing support).

To celebrate Pride Month last month, Logan (he/him) has come onto the podcast to share his story about coming out as gay. In this episode, Logan, who is on SOFEA's education programme, bravely shares how coming out changed his life and how expressing himself through fashion and makeup impacts his self-confidence.

This episode references bullying, homophobia and other potentially triggering topics. There is also some strong language in this episode. If you are in need of some support, click on the links below to see what support is available in Oxfordshire.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

www.sofea.uk.com

https://www.trainyouth.org.uk/more-services/

https://www.oxmindguide.org.uk/locationcategory/lgbtq/

Episode 14 is with the lovely Jamie Douglas from Response organisation; talking all things neurodivergence. Previously a teacher in a secondary school, Jamie was diagnosed as Autistic aged 40, and is also a parent of a neurodivergent child, giving him a breadth of lived and professional experience. This episode covers everything from diagnosis, energy drinks, the UK education system, and even some guidance around language we should be using when talking about Autism and how to challenge unhelpful comments.

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