As a teenager she was labeled ‘unsafe to self’ and locked in a psychiatric ward. For a long time Lily Asch continued to be ashamed of her experience, until she opened up and discovered the power of conversation. Now Asch runs Real Talk, a social enterprise organizing storytelling workshops in a safe space, enabling people […]
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The Power of Telling your Story, Lily Asch
Being Friends With the Monster, Stolar
Musician and songwriter Stolar says that from a young age, he always had heightened emotions — what he calls ‘emotional superpowers’. But by the time he was studying at NYU, those feelings were running out of control. He has been diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder. With bipolar in the family, his relatives were able […]
We Need People Who Think Differently, Vikie Shanks
Author, Speaker & Mentor Vikie Shanks was widowed when her husband took his own life. She was left to bring up seven children, six of whom are on the autistic spectrum. Two of her children have cerebral palsy. Vikie, on her own, had no choice but to cope and to enable her children and herself […]
Let’s Talk about Sex, Colin Richards
Sex Therapist Colin Richards is a sex therapist who believes that communication is important to encourage intimacy. A fulfilling sex life has great benefits and he says that couples should discuss their fantasies and how those demonstrate their emotional needs. We’re not afraid to talk about food — another of life’s essentials — he says: […]
Peers Without Pressure, Anna and Millie
Wimbledon High Students Anna and Millie are students at Wimbledon High who take part in the school’s peer counselling project. They help advise younger girls on how to cope with the pressures around them. That pressure can come from outside: Anna and Millie say that looking good and body image are big concerns among some […]
Belonging To Something Bigger Than Yourself, Jane Lunnon
Headmistress The Head of Wimbledon High School, Jane Lunnon, says that the world has changed for her pupils. The old certainties of society aren’t there any more — what fills the gaps is often social media. Jane says young people need breaks from comparing themselves to their peers. Nothing, she says, beats a really good […]
Finding the Answers Inside Yourself, Dave Lee
Ex Builder Turned Mental Health Campaigner Ten years ago, Dave Lee was working as a builder. He was depressed, drinking heavily and attempted to end his life. Recovering, he looked for answers. Eventually he realised that he could only find those insights and answers inside himself. He describes the difference between the ‘personal mind’ and […]
Whatever Warms Your Heart Up, Samantha Moyo
Wellness Event Producer Samantha Moyo is the founding mother of the sober morning dance movement, Morning Gloryville. It’s a rave that lets people who love dancing the day in a playful, fun way without relying on drugs or alcohol. Samantha herself says she’s still an addict of sorts — Morning Gloryville helped her with drink […]
You Can’t See Mental Pain, Mim Shaikh
Radio Host Broadcaster Mim Shaikh grew up with his mother suffering from severe mental health issues. It wasn’t until he went to school that he realised his family was different from others. However, today he feels this experience has helped him to become more sensitive and empathetic towards others going through mental pain. It’s also […]
Exam After Exam After Exam, Jenny Pewsey
Borderline Personality Disorder Looking back, Jenny says she probably had mental health issues from an early age. But her food obsessions, panic and anxiety didn’t explode until her first year of medical school when it got so bad that she couldn’t leave her flat. ‘There is so much pressure on young people. Exam after exam […]
Gigglelicious, Jo Bluett
She had everything going for her. But when Jo Bluett was diagnosed with the chronic fatigue condition ME, she went from high flying businesswoman to being stuck at home claiming benefits. Nothing helped, until, 13 years ago, a desperate Jo decided to laugh about it. Literally. She went on to establish Laughter for Health, teaching […]
Let’s Play, Marguerite Hunter Blair
Distraction and playfulness are sorely missing in many children’s lives, says mother-of-five Marguerite Hunter Blair. And our children are bearing the brunt, as it is through play, especially outdoors, that children learn life skills and improve their physical and mental health. Hunter Blair is chief executive of Play Scotland and a passionate advocate for children’s […]