The kind place podcast
The kind place podcast features people talking about their experiences of loneliness and mental health. Learn about their coping strategies and join the conversation
The kind place
In this series, members of the public explore what it means to be lonely:
- how it feels
- how it can happen
- ways to get through it
Recent research has shown that 1 in 5 people in the UK said they often or always feel lonely.
1 in 3 hadn't had a meaningful conversation in the last week.
Now, 38% of UK adults say loneliness negatively impacts their mental health. The kind place podcast explores the mental health impacts of loneliness, as well as anxiety, grief and other struggles.
Why mental health podcasts are so important
Podcasts on mental health are important to shine a light on the everyday struggles that so many people face. Our mental health podcasts provide a platform for people to share their own, personal experiences with mental health struggles, such as anxiety, grief and loneliness, and how they have overcome or dealt with these experiences.
The aim of the kind place podcast is to start a conversation about mental health and highlight the importance of discussing these problems, reaching out and seeking advice or help.
‘‘We might live differently but we still have a life to live’’
In this film, Nubi and Carol share their experiences of shielding and social isolation caused by living with a chronic illness during the pandemic. They discuss the importance of memories to help you cope, as well as the significance of looking forward positively, even when faced with hardship.
Think about the following:
- How does watching the film make you feel?
- Do you know anyone who is lonely? What support could you offer them to make them feel less lonely?
- Nubi and Carol are two individuals in two different stages of their lives. Did you find anything surprising about what they said?
Both the British Red Cross and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust have resources available to help those who may be at risk of loneliness throughout this uncertain time.
For more specific help for people living with cystic fibrosis and their families, practical support, advice and information is available through the Cystic Fibrosis Trust’s website, emailing helpline@cysticfibrosis.org.uk or calling their helpline, Monday to Friday, on 0300 373 1000
Episode 6: ‘‘You’re a man so there’s nothing wrong with you’’
In this podcast episode, wo footballers from different generations talk about creating connections through sport, and different attitudes towards masculinity and mental health across generations. The podcast also explore the importance of creating an atmosphere where feelings and thoughts of others are accepted.
Use these questions to help reflect on what you heard:
- How have football and society changed in recent years regarding mental health?
- What is the importance of talking about your thoughts and feelings with others?
- What can you do to improve your wellbeing?
- What might you do differently now you have listened to this podcast?
Episode 5: Think of me as the person I'm telling you I am
Trigger warning: people in this podcast talk about suicidal feelings. Call the Samaritans on 116 123 if you need to talk to someone.
Laura and Phil share experiences of homelessness in this podcast episode, being transgender and how loneliness can be directly connected to feeling unaccepted. You'll learn about the importance of talking openly about loneliness, and how social media can sometimes help people feel part of a community, and less isolated.
Use these questions to help reflect on what you heard:
- How can you help others feel understood and supported?
- What helped Laura and Phil reduce their feelings of social isolation?
- Who might you talk to if you were feeling isolated?
Laura and Phil also spoke about what makes them happy. What makes you happy? What would you like to do in the future?
Episode 4: I find it hard to balance being me and being a mum
Hazel and Ifeoma share their experience of motherhood and loneliness, and how loneliness has now become an emotional barrier. For them, it is not just physical separation any more, but a lack of connection to the outside world.
Use these questions to reflect on what you have heard:
- Do you know anyone who is experiencing motherhood for the first time? What support could you offer now?
- What new ideas have you heard that can help people cope with loneliness?
- How has volunteering helped Hazel and Ifeoma? What other coping strategies do they use?
- How can experiences connect us, even if our backgrounds are different?
- What might you do differently now you have listened to this podcast?
Episode 3: I was so desperate to meet people, I didn't want to tell anyone I was lonely
Trigger warning: this podcast episode explores mental health issues and childhood trauma.
Tigest, a young female refugee from Eritrea, and Reb, a young woman from Northern Ireland with a long term illness, talk about their experiences of loneliness and how they cope.
Listen to the podcast, and think about their experiences of loneliness.
- What do you feel are the main messages from this conversation?
- How do Tigest and Reb help themselves with feelings of loneliness?
- They say that their conversation has helped them. How has this podcast affected you?
Episode 2: Can you feel better when you've lost someone you love?
Trigger warning: this podcast episode explores grief and loss.
Dreane lives alone in Worcestershire with her two dogs, and talks to Carol, who lives near Newcastle. They share their experiences of dealing with grief and how losing a loved one has led to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Coping with loss is one of the most difficult things we face. There's no timetable for recovering, and it can make us feel very lonely.
Carol and Dreane formed a new friendship from discussing their feelings of loss and grief in this podcast:
- How did listening to their stories make you feel?
- Is there anyone you know who has suffered from a loss? What can you do to help them?
- Can you discuss your feelings with someone if you are in a similar situation?
- Which ways of remembering your loved ones makes you feel happy?
How did sharing their memories help Carol and Dreane? How can you share yours?
This could be through conversation, in writing or by making a photo book. How might that make you feel?
Episode 1: Loneliness can also be felt when you're not alone
This episode explores purpose and belonging, and how you can feel alone even when surrounded by people. Amtul, a refugee from India living in Bradford speaks to Ore, an MBA student from Nigeria living in Newcastle. They discuss their experiences of isolation from living in a foreign country - and how volunteering has helped them connect.
How did listening to their conversation make you feel?
What new thoughts or feelings did it bring up for you?
Do particular times affect you more strongly, as Amtul described?
Is there anything you do to make yourself feel better during those difficult times?
- Who could you reach out to? They may be new in your community or seem isolated.
- What might you talk about together? How can you show empathy?
- How might talking make you feel?
Resources you may find useful
Explore resources for building confidence and connecting with others:
Make connections
Build coping skills
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