In this episode of TrustTalk, our CEO Lois Whitehouse is joined by Year 12 students Libby, Obaayaa and Aryan from Blue Coat CofE School as they take over the interviewing duties and put their questions directly to Praful Nargund, Skills Adviser to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Founder and Director of the Good Growth Foundation.

Together, they explore the opportunities and challenges facing young people as they prepare for their futures, from apprenticeships and technical education to meaningful work experience, artificial intelligence and the skills that could shape the jobs of tomorrow.

Praful also reflects on his own journey through business, policy and public service, sharing why following your passions, learning from failure and developing strong communication skills can make a lasting difference.

It is a conversation shaped by the questions young people themselves want answered, looking at how schools, employers and government can work together to create meaningful opportunities and help every young person feel confident about what comes next.

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What does Pride really mean today?

In Episode 2 of the TrustTalk Podcast, Rob Darling and Gemma Hathaway are joined by Nick Cherryman, Chair of Coventry Pride, for an honest conversation about community, representation and why Pride continues to matter.

Recorded the DAY AFTER Coventry Pride Weekend, Nick reflects on the emotion of watching months of planning come to life, the challenges faced behind the scenes and the unforgettable moment they realised the impact the event was having on people's lives.

The conversation explores why Pride is about far more than a single month or celebration. Nick shares his powerful belief that "the opposite of shame is pride", discusses the importance of visibility and representation for young people and explains why allyship and community are essential in creating places where everyone feels they belong.

Along the way, they open up about supporting young people searching for acceptance, overcoming online abuse and why seeing yourself represented can genuinely change lives.

Whether you attended Pride or simply want to understand why these conversations still matter, this episode offers an inspiring and thought-provoking look at community, courage and belonging.

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How important is belonging to our mental health?

In Episode 3 of the TrustTalk Podcast, Gemma Hathaway is joined by Dee Hodgson from Unity in Coventry for a compassionate conversation about identity, wellbeing and the power of feeling accepted.

Drawing on years of experience supporting LGBTQIA+ communities, Dee explains why belonging is fundamental to mental health and how trusted adults can have a life-changing impact on young people who may be struggling with their identity or feeling isolated.

Together, they discuss the effects of anxiety, loneliness and masking, the importance of listening without judgement and why every person's story deserves patience, kindness and respect. Dee also shares practical advice for schools, workplaces and communities looking to create environments where people genuinely feel safe to be themselves.

At the heart of the conversation is one simple but powerful reminder: they matter.

Whether you support young people professionally or simply want to better understand the importance of belonging, this episode is full of thoughtful insight and practical wisdom.

#TrustTalkPodcast #MentalHealth #Belonging #Wellbeing #Education

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