Are We Failing Our Children's Mental Health?
Our resident psychiatrist, Dr Seshni, returns for an important conversation about the pressures facing children, young people and their families.
A recent analysis from The King's Fund highlights troubling waiting times for children's health services. Behind those figures are real families struggling to get the support they need.
We also look ahead to Alan Milburn's report on supporting young people into employment, including those experiencing mental health difficulties and people receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Are we building pathways into work? Or simply placing more pressure on people already struggling?
Because identifying a problem matters. But finding solutions matters more.
Grow Joyce & Snell's: A Community Growing Together
This week, we welcome João Giacchin, a Brazilian filmmaker living in Upper Edmonton and founder of Exploring Cultural Lives CIC, alongside community volunteer Joyce Eyre.
João's new documentary, Grow Joyce & Snell's, celebrates the people behind a community garden in Edmonton.
It's about much more than growing vegetables. It's about friendships, belonging, community pride and the difference ordinary people can make.
João has been creating community films since 2017, establishing Exploring Cultural Lives as a Community Interest Company in 2024.
Through documentary filmmaking, the organisation celebrates local people, culture, heritage and community spirit, bringing stories to life with authenticity and honesty.
Watch the film: https://youtu.be/CZVX55a79Tg
Please watch, share and support this wonderful local project.
You can also discover more about arts and culture in Enfield through the Dugdale Arts Centre: https://www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk/about-us
Mississippi: The Price of Democracy
We also turn to Mississippi, where the struggle for civil rights continues to shape America's political story.
In June 1964, civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner were murdered by the Ku Klux Klan while working to advance Black voting rights.
More than six decades later, Democracy Now! revisits that history through Angela Lewis, daughter of James Chaney, reflecting on her father's legacy and the continuing fight for equality.
And we remember the extraordinary voice of Nina Simone, whose 1963 protest song Mississippi Goddam confronted racial violence and demanded change.
History matters. Not because we should live in the past, but because we must understand what it took to get here.
Need Support? You're Not Alone
If anything discussed on this week's programme affects you or someone you know, support is available.
Childline — Confidential support for children and young people under 19.
Website: https://www.childline.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 1111
Mind — Information and support for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans — Someone to talk to, day or night.
Website: https://www.samaritans.org
Telephone: 116 123
NHS Mental Health Services — Advice on accessing mental health care and urgent support.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health
For urgent mental health support in England, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
Further Reading
The King's Fund — Research and analysis on children's health services and waiting times.
Department for Work and Pensions — Reports and policy information on employment, welfare and support for young people.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions
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