The Social Matters Podcast

• Episode 7 (S8). The Kamelion app: Youth Mental Health, Reimagined (feat. Vivian Tanaka)

  In this episode, we’re joined by the insightful Vivian Tanaka, creator of Kamelion, a gamified mental health and personal development app for 11–18-year-olds. Rooted in Positive Psychology, co-designed with young people, and centred on curiosity and discovery, Kamelion is transforming the way young people engage with their wellbeing.Vivian’s work focuses on helping young people better understand their emotional world through playful learning, personalised pathways and interactive tools that make mental health support feel accessible, relevant and even enjoyable. By putting young people at the heart of the design process, Kamelion offers a space that reflects their voices, their needs and their lived experiences.In our conversation, Vivian shares the spark that led to Kamelion’s creation and why she believes co-design is essential for meaningful youth mental health support. She talks candidly about the challenges young people face today,  and how a discovery-led, strengths-based approach can help them in navigating a challenging world.This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of young people's voice in shaping the future of mental health support. Vivian’s work shows us that wellbeing grows when young people feel seen, supported and encouraged to explore who they are becoming.If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.📲 Instagram: @kamelion_app🌍 Website: kamelion.co 📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

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• Episode 6 (S8). Allyship in Action

  We have a new episode for you! In this conversation, we discuss allyship almost three years on from our first episode on the topic, a conversation that remains essential for building stronger, fairer communities.What does allyship really mean? How does it show up in our everyday lives, our workplaces and the wider society we’re all navigating? In this episode, we explore the many layers of allyship, from the quiet, intentional actions that make someone feel seen and supported to the bigger, collective efforts that can challenge inequality and drive meaningful change.We talk about why allyship can feel uncomfortable or uncertain at times, and why that discomfort is often part of the learning journey. This episode is sure to get you talking and will leave you with practical approaches we can all take to stand alongside different groups in ways that are genuine, accountable and impactful.This episode is a reminder that allyship isn’t a badge, it’s a continuous practice rooted in empathy, curiosity and action.Tune in, share and join the conversation.📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

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• Episode 5 (S8). What Does It Mean to Be British in the Current Climate?

  In this episode, we dive into an important and timely question: what does it mean to be British today? Against the backdrop of a rising far-right movement and growing social divides, we explore how ideas of identity, belonging and community are being shaped and challenged in the UK right now.What does “Britishness” mean in a society that’s increasingly diverse but also increasingly polarised? How do we hold onto shared values when fear and exclusion are on the rise? Together, we discuss the current context, the stories, symbols and power dynamics that influence who gets to belong and whose voices are pushed to the margins.Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation.Instagram: @matterspodcast LinkedIn: Social Matters Website: socialmatters.org.uk

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• BONUS EPISODE. The Next Chapter: Inside the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding

  In this episode, The Social Matters Podcast team takes you inside the launch of the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding, a two-day international event hosted by Durham University and created by Professor Carlene Firmin.The Centre marks a new chapter in how we understand and respond to the safety of young people, recognising that protection must extend beyond the home to the spaces where adolescents spend their lives: schools, neighbourhoods, online and among peers.Joined by a remarkable panel of guests whose collective work has shaped safeguarding policy, practice and research across the UK and beyond, this episode brings together:Jimmy Paul, Head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and advocate for public health approaches to preventing violence.Ben Lindsay OBE, founder and CEO of Power the Fight, community leader and social entrepreneur dedicated to tackling violence affecting young people.Jahnine Davis, Director of ListenUp and national expert on adultification bias and the safeguarding of Black children.Luke Billingham, youth worker and researcher focused on social infrastructure, education, and youth policy.Aika Stephenson, solicitor and co-founder of Just for Kids Law, recognised for her pioneering work in youth justice.Professor Carlene Firmin, founder of Contextual Safeguarding and leading researcher on adolescent safety in social contexts.Together, these voices reflect the depth and diversity of the global movement for Contextual Safeguarding uniting research, lived experience, and frontline practice to build safer communities for adolescents everywhere.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it, leave a review, and follow. You can also find out more about the great work at the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding at https://www.contextualsafeguarding.org.uk/

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• Episode 4 (S8). Turning Experience into Empowerment. (feat. Jade Barnett)

  In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Jade Barnett, co-founder of Power2Prevail, an organisation dedicated to empowering vulnerable young people to see that their past and present circumstances don’t define their future.Jade’s work focuses on supporting care-experienced young people as they navigate the journey towards independence, employment and self-belief. Through mentorship, training and storytelling, Power2Prevail helps young people recognise their potential and take ownership of their next steps.In our conversation, Jade shares what inspired her to start Power2Prevail and the real-life challenges many young people in care face when the system expects them to "adult" with limited support. Jade also opens up about her own journey, how her own lived experience has fuelled her passion for creating change, what empowerment really looks like in action, and why giving young people a voice in their own narratives matters so deeply.This episode is another reminder of the importance of belonging, transformation and hope. Jade reminds us that success isn’t about where you start, but the support, courage and belief that carry you forward.If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.📲 Instagram: @power2prevail_🌍 Website: power2prevail.co.uk📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

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