This episode was recorded in November 2023 It was our pleasure to welcome Lisa Matthews to our podcast. Lisa works for an organisation called Young Roots and she is their first ever Policy and Campaigns Manager. Lisa has worked in the area of migrants’ rights for over 15 years, working across casework, psychosocial support, legal representation, campaigning and legal education. Prior to joining Young Roots, she was Coordinator of Right to Remain from 2011 to 2022, where she worked extensively on...
Dec 10, 2023•46 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Conversations a meant to be started, continued but not necessarily always finished. In this episode, we decided to start a conversation about the war in Gaza. There are many narratives and challenges with having such a conversation. Despite this it's necessary to start a conversation and hopefully it will be continued by many who listen to this. If you enjoyed the episode then pass it on. You can find us on all podcast platforms and on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodca...
Nov 26, 2023•34 min•Season 6Ep. 4
We were lucky to be joined by Anna Glinski from the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA centre). Anna was previously the CSA Centre's Practice Improvement Advisor for Social Work and, before that, the practice development lead for CSA within the local authority and contributed to local and regional service and policy development. Anna developed and led a multi-disciplinary specialist sexual abuse team, which provided assessments, interventions, supervision, consultation and training. ...
Nov 12, 2023•44 min•Season 6Ep. 3
The episodes keep on coming! In this second episode of season six, we explore the notion of Psychological Safety. What does this mean to you? How can we feel Psychologically Safe in work spaces, in relationships and other areas of our lives? What do you think you need to help you to feel Psychologically Safe? There were so many different questions posed in this episode, which makes a very interesting and informative discussion Tune in to listen to our thoughts and continue these conversations in...
Oct 29, 2023•32 min•Season 6Ep. 2
GUESS WHO'S BACK, BACK AGAIN..... YES, that's right. After an extended summer break, your favourite trio are back for a brand new season! We are excited to bring you our sixth podcast season. Get ready for some fun, exciting, powerful and important conversations! We've also mixed things up a bit so you will be able to watch some of our episodes on our new youtube channel! Click the link below. https://www.youtube.com/@thesocialmatterspodcast9342 In this episode we ask the question; What does Bel...
Oct 15, 2023•40 min•Season 6Ep. 1
It's that timmmeeee. After 8 months of fun and informative conversations about social issues, Nadia, Fran and Eugene sign off another season! In this episode they chat and reflect on a memorable episode from the season. We also get to hear how they are continuing to act into the word/phrase they chose at the beginning of the year! Tune in for one last time, this season, and join in the laughs and conversation. Once again thank you to all of you who've listened and stuck with us along way. We app...
May 21, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 17
In this penultimate episode of the season Nadia, Fran and Eugene have a conversation about organisational culture in social work. What does this actually mean? Who sets the culture? How is it built and maintained? Join your favourite trio of social workers to dicuss these questions and a lot more! If you enjoy this episode then please share with your friends, leave a review and follow The Social Matters Podcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The handle is @matterspodcast.
May 07, 2023•32 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Made by Mortals are a arts organisation who work with a diverse range of communities and organisations to bring people's experiences to life through co-creating, podcasts, films and musical theatre shows In this episode, Nadia, Fran and Eugene speak with Director Andy Smith about the impactful work Made by Mortals are doing. From a children's podcast made by over 60 year olds, to their 'Hidden' project where you are challenged to take a walk in another person’s shoes and consider what you can do...
Apr 23, 2023•46 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Happy Easter to all those who are celebrating! We have another episode for you to listen to over your Easter meal : ) In March 2023, the UK Government set out its plans for the introduction of an 'Illegal Immigration Bill' with the alleged aim of stopping people seeking asylum in the UK. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene have a conversation about the impact of this announcement, the challenge from Gary Lineker, the importance of allyship and activism. If you enjoy this episode then please s...
Apr 09, 2023•31 min•Season 5Ep. 14
For those of you who may not be aware, it is World Social Work Day on the third Tuesday of March (21st March 2023). This annual celebration is the way, as social workers, we focus on highlighting the achievements of social work and shine a bright light on the profession. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene have a conversation about World Social Work Day, what it means to them and this year's theme; 'Respecting Diversity Through Joint Social Action'. If you enjoy this episode then please share...
Mar 26, 2023•39 min•Season 5Ep. 13
In this brilliant episode, Nadia, Fran and Eugene are joined by the brilliant Sarah Jordan Verghese and Jasmyn Fisher-Ryner. Sarah and Jasmyn are Producers on the award winning play 'For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy. They join your favourte trio of social workers to talk about the play, it's impact and why you should go and see it! "Inspired by Ntozake Shange’s seminal work For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf . For Black ...
Mar 12, 2023•51 min•Season 5Ep. 12
What does it mean to truly be an Ally? In a world where more and more minoritised groups are experiencing oppression, discrimination, abuse and violence, what does Allyship mean to you in this current era. In this episode, Nadia, Fran and Eugene share their reflections on their understanding of Allyship, its importance in today's context and what being a good ally means to them. Tune in for a thoughtful and reflective conversation in this engaging episode! If you enjoy this episode then please s...
Feb 26, 2023•31 min•Season 5Ep. 11
It's the month of February! This means, in the UK, we celebrate LGBT History Month. In this episode, Nadia, Fran and Eugene share their reflections on LGBT History Month, why it is important and why there is a need to shine a spotlight on the LGBTQ+ community. From discussions of lived experiences, to the impact of legislators, to colonialism and religion, your favourite trio of social workers cover a broad area of discussion, leaving you with a rich and engaging episode. If you enjoy this episo...
Feb 12, 2023•44 min•Season 5Ep. 10
What does resilience mean to you? It's time to reframe the dominate narratives of resilience that we have in society. In this brilliantly powerful and insightful episode, your favourite trio of social workers are joined by Josh Connolly. Josh is a Resilience Coach, Podcaster and Mental Health Advocate and joins Nadia, Fran and Eugene to share his own perspective on the notion of resilience. Josh draws on a lot of his personal experiences to provide an enlightening perspective on how we think abo...
Jan 29, 2023•55 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Season 5 is in full swing people. Welcome to episode 8! In this episode, Nadia, Fran and Eugene are joined by the brilliant Shantel Thomas. Shantel is an Anti-Racism lead at the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and shares her journey and experiences as an Anti-Racism lead. Shantel has a wealth of experience and knowledge and discusses what brought her into social work, her passion and the path she has taken to combat racism in social work. If you enjoy this episode then please share ...
Jan 15, 2023•48 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Happy New Year people! This is the first Social Matters episode of the new year so, in Social Matters tradition, Nadia, Fran and Eugene have a conversation about aims and hopes for the new year. To do this, they review the word they chose at the beginning of 2022 and how this word guided them through the year. They also choose new words/phrases to guide them through 2023. Tune in, have a listen and think about your own words/phrases. Also, if you are listening to this episode and you continue to...
Jan 01, 2023•32 min•Season 5Ep. 7
A conversation about class is long overdue on the Social Matters Podcast so your favourite trio of social workers were really excited about this one! In this episode, Nadia, Fran and Eugene are joined by the brilliant Sereena Abbassi. Sereena is an Inclusion Practitioner, Advisor, Coach and CEO of gal-dem magazine to have a conversation about class. In the UK, we do not have enough conversations about class. Class is not a protected characteristic by law. This means that people can be discrimina...
Dec 18, 2022•53 min•Season 5Ep. 6
In this brilliant, insightful and powerful episode, Nadia, Fran and Eugene are joined by Patrick Sandford. Patrick is an activist and survivor of childhood sexual violence. Patrick joins your favourite trio of social workers to share his own personal story of childhood sexual violence, what impact this has had on him and how he has begun to heal. This is an episode that starts off an important conversation about the impact of childhood sexual violence. Through his experience and his work, Patric...
Dec 04, 2022•52 min•Season 5Ep. 5
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!! In this episode, Nadia, Fran and Eugene have a reflective conversation about 'The real Mo Farah' a BBC documentary about Mo Farah's childhood and his experience of being trafficked to the UK. This documentary did not only provide a revealing insight into Mo Farah's experiences but it has also shone a helpful spotlight on trafficking. So come and join your favourite trio of social workers and continue the conversation. You can watch the documentary on BBC iPlayer in the UK. I...
Nov 20, 2022•29 min•Season 5Ep. 4
With the autumn here and winter approaching, the cost of living crisis is impacting on everyone in different ways. To feed your family, yourself and have access to basic essentials should not be in question in one of the richest countries in the world. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene are joined by John and Amy from the Trussell Trust to have a conversation about their work with food banks across the UK. The Trussell Trust believe we should all be free from hunger. We should all have enoug...
Nov 06, 2022•40 min•Season 5Ep. 3
When we hear about Virtual Reality (VR), we picture the year 3000 where not much has changed but they live under water! However, virtual reality is here and active in the social work field. In this episode, Nadia, Fran and Eugene are joined by the brilliant Shalene Lemmie to have a conversation about virtual reality in social work. Shalene is a registered social worker and virtual reality service manager at Antser, the UK's leading provider of transformational solutions for the health, education...
Oct 23, 2022•45 min•Season 5Ep. 2
As the leaves begin to fall and the autumn sets in, what you have all been craving is upon us. A brand new season of The Social Matters Podcast is back for your fortnightly consumption. WELCOME TO SEASON 5!!! In this episode, Nadia, Fran and Eugene have a conversation about a number of significant events and social issues that have occurred since they were last on the microphone! From the historic European Championship win for the England Women's team to the ongoing protest in Iran following the...
Oct 09, 2022•34 min•Season 5Ep. 1
After 7 months and 18 episodes it's a wrap for another season. Your favourite trio of social workers are here to review and reflect on the past season. Nadia, Fran and Eugene have had laughs, singing (sorry!), debate, fantastic guests and hopefully some very helpful conversation. It has been another enjoyable season for the Social Matters Podcast crew. Thank you to all of you who've listened and laughed along with us. Do share with your friends and continue these conversations. We hope you all h...
May 29, 2022•39 min•Season 4Ep. 18
In this penultimate episode of the season Nadia, Fran and Eugene are joined by Jenni McCabe to have a conversation about Autism and Social Work. Jenni is an autistic social worker, author and educator. Jenni speaks and writes about her own lived experiences with a focus on the strengths being autistic brings to herself, her role as a social worker and as a parent to three autistic children. Jenni joins your favourite trio of social workers to share her knowledge and experiences. This conversatio...
May 15, 2022•42 min•Season 4Ep. 17
In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene are joined by Professor Claudia Bernard to have a conversation about her exciting new book titled 'Intersectionality in Social Work: A Practical Introduction to Theory and Practice'. Intersectionality is a term coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw. Crenshaw described Intersectionality as how systems of oppression overlap to create distinct experiences for people with multiple identity categories. Professor Bernard shares her view of the importance of a...
May 01, 2022•50 min•Season 4Ep. 16
In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene sit down to reflect on the case of 'Child Q'. 'Child Q' was 15 years old when she was subjected to a strip search by police officers because a teacher in her school smelt cannabis on her. Despite searching her and her items, the police were still called. The strip search took place without knowledge of the child's parents and without any appropriate adult present. Reports on this incident found no reasonable justification for this child to be stripped searc...
Apr 17, 2022•36 min•Season 4Ep. 15
In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene are joined on the podcast by Kajal Odedra. Kajal is an Author, Activist and Global Communications Director at Change.org. Through her roles within Change.org, Kajal has supported millions of people in starting campaigns. This has included some of the biggest people led campaigns such as Laura Coryton's campaign to end the tampon tax and the campaign to free Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe from an Iranian prison. Kajal is also the author of the brilliantly insight...
Apr 03, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 14
This one was fun! Recorded on International Women's Day, in this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene have a discussion about some of the women who have inspired them in their lives. March 8th is a day to shine a spotlight on women so Nadia, Fran and Eugene chose to shine the brightest of spotlights. Whether it's Michelle Obama, close friends, Lady Phyll or Serena Williams, your favourite trio of social workers start an important conversation about recognising the significant contributions of women to...
Mar 20, 2022•33 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Content warning. In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene speak with Lydia Guthrie about her experience of working with sexual abuse. Like with all Social Matters episodes we try to have conversations which are helpful to people but we recognise that an episode about working with sexual abuse can impact people in different ways and can potentially be triggering. This message is to acknowledge this and invite you to stop listening to this episode at any time or to not listen to it at all. We have o...
Mar 06, 2022•55 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode Nadia, Fran and Eugene have a discussion about a recent BBC documentary presented by reporter Ashley-John Baptiste. Titled Split Up in Care: Life Without Siblings, the documentary explores the impact of separating siblings in foster care. Your favourite trio reflect on the documentary, their own perspective on sibling relationship and possible learning for practice. Have a listen and check out the documentary on the BBC iplayer (UK). You can also find out more about Ashley's work...
Feb 20, 2022•31 min•Season 4Ep. 11
