DEx Podcast

Episode 13 focuses on young people's experience of mainstream education and the power of belief and coaching in transforming lives. Doreen CEO of Elevated Minds provides young people with alternative strategies to improve wellbeing focusing on emotional development and leadership skills. In this episode, I speak to Doreen and 5 young people Sahara, Emmanuel, Alessandro, Reuben and Alfa about the Identity project, their experiences of stereotyping and racism in school and how they've been training the police around stop & search.  Elevated Minds has courses for young people including the Identity Project, Leadership skills, as well as training for teachers and parents. For more information about Elevated Minds support services please find further details on the website  (https://www.elevatedmindscoaching.com/). 

Episode 12 focuses on young people's experiences of the criminal justice system and the power of lived experience, featuring Taylor Price a project lead at Youth Ink. Taylor is 21 years old and has experienced violence and spent time in prison but now uses his experiences to empower other young people in the criminal justice system.  Youth-Ink is a London-based lived experience led charity led by people with experience of the criminal justice system. Youth Ink uses the power of peer networks to rehabilitate and to create safer communities for the future. They deliver frontline services by which young people seek support and have a voice in the justice system.  For more information about Youth Ink support services please find further details on the website (https://www.youth-ink.org.uk/). Support services: Redthread supports young people who are victims of violence (https://www.redthread.org.uk/what-we-do/). Their youth workers support young people aged 11-24 years in A&E who have experienced violence. Catch 22 aim to prevent first-time entrance into the criminal justice system (https://www.catch-22.org.uk/offers/youth-justice/#services), intervene when young people have committed an offence and support young people already subject to youth justice. Disrupting Exploitation programme at The Childrens Society (https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/our-work/child-criminal-exploitation-and-county-lines) supports young people who are at risk of or currently being criminally exploited. We have services in London, Manchester and Birmingham. 

Episode 11 focuses on the experiences of young women that are exploited; featuring Amanda Croskell senior practitioner at Abianda and Sienna who has experienced exploitation and wants to champion the voices of young women.  Abianda is a London-based social enterprise that works with young women affected by gangs and county lines. They deliver frontline services to gang-affected young women up to the ages of 25 years.  *Trigger warning: this episode contains references to sexual violence that some listeners may find distressing. Please see below for dedicated support services.* For more information about Abianda support services please find further details on the website (https://www.abianda.com/services) Articles/podcasts referenced in this episode: 'Lost on the Line' the county lines gangs recruiting girls (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0009b47)  Girls in gangs literature review: Author – Nickola Holmes, NHS Coventry and Rugby and NHS Warwickshire North Clinical Commissioning Groups 'Falling through the gaps' young women transitioning to the adult justice system  BBC 'Hidden Girls' documentary (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0010dbw)  Support services: The Survivors Trust is a hub of organisations who provide support to anyone who has experienced sexual harassment (https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/) Childline information/support for young people who are experiencing school exclusion (https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/excluded-from-school/)

Episode 10 continues to explore school exclusions from the perspective of young people with lived experience. This episode features Johnathan, Angel and Chantelle, 3 young campaigners from the Just For Kids Law steering group. The JfKL steering group consists of young people with lived experience of school exclusions that are aged 14- 24 years across London. They receive support and training to run their own campaign for a more inclusive education system for all. This steering group is co-ordinated by Michaela Rafferty the young people's development worker at JfKL, who also features on this episode. *Trigger warning: this episode contains references to sexual violence that some listeners may find distressing. Please see below for dedicated support services.* This episode covers: The purpose of the JfKL steering group Why it's important to address school exclusions How fair the school exclusion process is How schools can improve The link between schools exclusions and child exploitation To sign up to the JfKL steering group please find further details on the website (https://justforkidslaw.org/school-exclusions-hub/young-people-and-families/join-our-school-exclusions-campaign-steering-group) where you can call, whatsapp or email Michaela Rafferty. Articles/series referenced in the episode: JfKL report 'Excluded, exploited, forgotten: Childhood criminal exploitation and school exclusions' (https://www.justforkidslaw.org/sites/default/files/fields/download/JfKL%20school%20exclusion%20and%20CCE_2.pdf)  Glasgow the Nurture Programme (https://truevisiontv.com/films/details/58/the-nurture-room)  'The ripple effect of poverty on children in London' Angel Beddelem (https://cpag.org.uk/news-blogs/news-listings/ripple-effect-poverty-children-london)  Support services: JfKL legal support for young people (https://www.justforkidslaw.org/contact-us) NSPCC support for young people who have experienced sexual harassment in education (https://www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/news-opinion/2021/sexual-abuse-victims-schools-helpline/) The Survivors Trust is a hub of organisations who provide support to anyone who has experienced sexual harassment (https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/) Childline information/support for young people who are experiencing school exclusion (https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/excluded-from-school/)

Episode 9 continues to explore school exclusions, looking at disproportionately and racism in the education system. This episode features Kitan Ososami a youth advocacy worker from BLAM (Black, Learning, Achievement & Mental Health), which aims to support the social inclusion of the Black British community by championing Black British culture and ensuring that education is more diverse.  BLAM has a range of support services: Grounded Project: KS2/3 school-based project teaching Black history.  Rooted Project: Summer school teaching Black history to KS2/3. Zuri therapy: racial wellness therapy workshops and a range of free virtual group sessions for Black British people. School Exclusions appeal service: education advocacy service for young Black British students facing school exclusion. This episode covers: BLAM's services and position on school exclusions Windrush generation  Racist stereotyping Discrimination in punishment UK curriculum too Eurocentric Education a microcosm for wider systemic racism  Lack of diverse staff Transformative Justice Approach BLAM's website with more details about services: https://blamuk.org/ Articles/TV series/podcasts referenced in the episode: Small Axe series Steve McQueen: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p08vxt33/small-axe The Windrush generation: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43782241 Runnymede report 'Race and Racism in English Secondary schools' https://www.runnymedetrust.org/uploads/publications/pdfs/Runnymede%20Secondary%20Schools%20report%20FINAL.pdf Glasgow the Nurture Programme https://truevisiontv.com/films/details/58/the-nurture-room Organisations referenced in this episode: The Prosperity Consultancy project: https://www.tprosperityproject.com/who-we-are Frontline https://thefrontline.org.uk/why-we-are-here/ Just For Kids Law https://www.justforkidslaw.org/what-we-do/fighting-change/campaigning/school-exclusions Insitute of Race Relations https://irr.org.uk/resources/

This is part 2 of episode 4 exploring ways to prevent school exclusions. This episode features Ed Kirwan founder of Empathy Week a global annual education program that uses the power of film to inspire, engage and empower young people into empathetic action. During Empathy Week, students watch 5 real-life cinematic stories; with empathy at the core, they will participate in active-discussions around social issues and then take on their own Empathy in Action project. This year’s theme is ‘Resilience and Diversity’.  **Empathy Week resources are free to all state schools.** This episode covers: (1) Empathic vs. punitive approaches in schools, (2) empathy as a skill that needs practice, (3) real-life stories from Empathy Week films, (4) Empathy In Action project and (5) Global Empathy Awards. If you are an educator and would like to access these resources: Go on the website https://www.empathy-week.com/ Register and download free school brochure and all educational material Support for young people at risk of exclusion: Cape Mentors (https://www.capementors.com/) provides tuition and mentoring services to children at risk of exclusion and those permanently excluded without school placement. Elevated Minds (https://www.elevatedmindscoaching.com/) give young people alternative strategies to improve Mental Health & Wellbeing, focusing on social and emotional development, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial skills.

This is episode 5, a bonus one-off episode released for LGBTQ+ history month this February 2021. This episode features Nalini, manager of the Resilient Me programme which supports young Muslims in faith-based and mainstream schools, with wellbeing and emotional resilience.  This episode addresses: (1) Being queer in the Muslim community, (2) stigma against LGBTQ+ content in school curriculum's, (3) wellbeing of LGBTQ young people of faith, (4) sexuality & your relationship with God, (5) how faith-based communities can better support young people and (6) Islamaphobia & Muslim pride.  Articles/books/podcasts featured in the episode: Muslim pride podcast BBC radio 4 with Sayeeda Warsi https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07pd7dc/episodes/downloads  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-49796967 https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/a32904183/gay-muslims-queer-lgbt/ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/lgbt-britain-home-and-communities Support for LGBTQ+ people and faith-based groups: Imaan: Leading LGBTQ charity for Muslims https://imaanlondon.wordpress.com/ Young Stonewall: support for LGBTQ+ youth https://www.youngstonewall.org.uk/what-we-do Educate & Celebrate: Pride youth network and workshops for young people https://www.educateandcelebrate.org/ Resilient Me: programme at The Children's Society http://bcbn.org.uk/events/

This is part 1 of episode 4 exploring ways to prevent school exclusions. This episode features Martin Richards an educational coach and founder of C4E 'Coaching for Educators'  a non-profit organisation that offers free coaching sessions for educators. Coaches from all around the world volunteer coaching hours for teachers who need support. Martin has worked on assignment for The Swedish National Agency for Education and has many years of experience as both a teacher and a coach. He's also previously worked with young people that have been excluded from school. This episode covers (1) what coaching is, (2) addressing power imbalances within schools, (3) understanding the unmet needs behind challenging behaviour, (4) how teachers can learn to not become triggered, (5) coaching as a trauma-informed approach and (6) listening from the heart.  If you are an educator and would like to access free coaching: Go on the C4E website (https://www.coaching-for-educators.com/c4e.html) Fill out an online form, includes your name, email, and role. You can receive up to 4 hours of coaching to each of 4 educators.  Articles/books/podcasts featured in the episode: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/permanent-and-fixed-period-exclusions-in-england-2018-to-2019 https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/professionals/resources/good-childhood-report-2020 Cradle-to-career school designs in the United Kingdom: What role can schools play in their local community and in society? (Victoria Hirst, PhD researcher at Manchester University, and Luke Billingham, 2020) Will release link when published.  Martin Richard's books: The Coach in the Classroom https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079G696TT Riccardo Midwinter Tales https://www.amazon.com/Riccardo-Midwinters-Tales-Coach-Classroom-ebook/dp/B07MDXCM7L/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=midwinter+tales+kindle+martin+richards&qid=1611580268&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

This is part 3 of episode 3, exploring how drill music has been criminalised and used as evidence in court to prosecute young people. This has disproportionately affected young black males. This episode features Natasha service manager for the Disrupting Exploitation programme in London and Jeffrey youth worker on the Stride project at TCS. The content includes an exploration into the history of drill, why young people are interested in the genre and a debate as to whether drill glamorises violence. We also discuss why drill has become associated with gang affiliation and if criminalising drill is a distraction from the larger social issues at play, including unemployment, housing and a lack of youth services.  Articles/books/podcasts featured in the episode: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/professionals/resources/good-childhood-report-2020 Garden Court Chambers 'Part 1: Understanding Drill, artist & expert testimony' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g8R1ztgAfQ Documentary 'Terms & Conditions: A UK Drill Story' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kno5T4y5SBY&t=119s https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/drill-music-london-stabbings-shootings-rap-67-abra-cadabra-comment-government-a8305516.html Charities that support young people experiencing racism: Young Minds: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/racism-and-mental-health/ Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust: "Deliver impact programs to support young people to transform their lives by overcoming disadvantage" https://www.stephenlawrencetrust.org/what-we-do/ Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI): They provide support to anyone who "has been a victim of a crime that you believe was motivated because of your ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or religious belief"

This is part 2 of episode 3, exploring how racism impacts young people, featuring co-host Alexia Powell from the national Prevention programme at TCS. The content includes an exploration into racism in the criminal justice system, the adultification of BAME youth and debating whether we see children through the lens of innocence or social justice. Alexia and I, also discuss the issue of language, stop & search,  how to support young people experiencing racism and end with some positive role models from the BAME community.  *adultification: Children in most societies are considered to be in a distinct group, with characteristics such as innocence. Adultification is when teachers, parents and law enforcement are less protective and more punitive with certain kids. The lens in which people view children can be affected by race.  Articles/books/podcasts featured in the episode: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/29/more-than-half-young-people-jail-are-of-bme-background https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2014/03/black-boys-older https://www.vox.com/identities/2019/5/16/18624683/black-girls-racism-bias-adultification-discipline-georgetown https://www.nps.gov/brvb/learn/historyculture/clarkdoll.htm 'Racial Innocence: Performing American Childhood From Slavery to Civil Rights.' Robin Bernstein https://cardboardcitizens.org.uk/our-news/new-podcast-series-it-is-what-it-is/ Artists featured in this episode: Siana Bangura: https://sianabangura.com/about/ Travis Alabanza: http://travisalabanza.co.uk/ Charities that support young people experiencing racism: Young Minds: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/racism-and-mental-health/ Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust: "Deliver impact programs to support young people to transform their lives by overcoming disadvantage" https://www.stephenlawrencetrust.org/what-we-do/ Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI): They provide support to anyone who "has been a victim of a crime that you believe was motivated because of your ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or religious belief"

Trigger warning: this episode includes content around racism, violence, and mental illness in the UK, that some listeners may find distressing. Today's podcast features co-host Alexia Powell from the national Prevention programme at TCS. The content includes: DEx updates on projects that staff are carrying out nationally, an exploration into what is racism and how it impacts young people, understanding institutional racism in the education system and ending with inspiring stories from the BAME community.  Articles/books featured in the episode: You Gov (BAME Briton's views of racism ): https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2020/06/26/nine-ten-bame-britons-think-racism-exists-same-lev Racism & Young People's Wellbeing (blog: Nalini): https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/news-and-blogs/our-blog/racism-and-young-peoples-well-being Good Childhood report 2020: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/good-childhood-report-2020.pdf DfE Pupil Exclusions: https://www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk/education-skills-and-training/absence-and-exclusions/pupil-exclusions/latest Book: Natives, Race & Class in the ruins of Empire- Akala Charities that support young people experiencing racism:  Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust: "Deliver impact programs to support young people to transform their lives by overcoming disadvantage" https://www.stephenlawrencetrust.org/what-we-do/ Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI): They provide support to anyone who "has been a victim of a crime that you believe was motivated because of your ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or religious belief"  

Trigger warning: the content of this episode include's statistics around mental illness in the UK, that some listeners may find distressing.  Today's podcast includes: updates on projects that staff are carrying out nationally, an interview with Nalini (Resilient Me programme manager) on the wellbeing of young Muslims, insights from Fran and Sarah from the LGBTQ+ forum at TCS, on the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth during the pandemic, a remembrance of Aya Hachem a young trustee since 2017 and ending with a positive news story.  Articles featured in the episode: Muslim Youth: What's the issue? file:///C:/Users/Donya.Lamrhari/Downloads/young%20muslim%20mental%20health%20(1).pdf #BlackLivesMatter Our way of celebrating Pride 2020 https://childrenssociety.info/content/blacklivesmatter-%E2%80%93-our-way-celebrating-pride-2020 Safe in Essex. Virtual Pride Activity pack file:///C:/Users/Donya.Lamrhari/Downloads/Virtual%20Pride%20Activity%20Pack%20PDF%20(1).pdf London DEx therapy services: If you know a young person who is struggling with their mental health and is a victim of exploitation you can refer them to us: LondonDE@childrenssociety.org.uk Mental health support: Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/. 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) Samaritans: To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone) Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm) Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). If you identify as male, you can call the Campaign against living miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or use their webchat service.  Switchboard. If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service.

Today's podcast discusses the impact of COVID-19 on young people, including insights from our therapist Rebecca, highlights from the youth voice webinar Becky (National Programme Manager) attended, updates on projects that staff are carrying out nationally, understanding Ramadan for Muslims this year and ending with some positive news stories. Articles featured in the episode: 1. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/coronavirus-schools-shut-children-county-lines-drug-gangs-a9415691.htm 2. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/02/coronavirus-lockdown-raises-risk-of-online-child-abuse-charity-says 3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-52333127 4. https://www.thelocal.fr/20191112/meet-the-french-women-fighting-islamophobia-and-anti-semitism-with-trips-to-auschwitz Natasha (SM DEx) London Hub playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6LgchqtSL77kGlZTxMEhqD