Breaking the Stigma: A Cambridgeshire Podcast Initiative
In a bold move to tackle mental health stigma, Cambridgeshire has launched an inspiring podcast series. But here's where it gets controversial: it's not your typical feel-good podcast.
The first episode features Gary Clarke, a mental health advocate and ex-prison officer, alongside Allan Hughes, the co-production lead at CPSL Mind. Together, they're on a mission to support fathers through CPSL Mind's perinatal services, including the Andy's Man Club in Peterborough.
Clarke, now a Perinatal Project Dads Worker at CPSL Mind, shares his perspective: "Life can be brutal, and men often feel the weight of expectation to provide. We're here to break that taboo. Mental health is about embracing your true self, not living up to others' expectations."
Hughes adds, "These conversations are raw and honest, and we're thrilled to collaborate with CPSL Mind to make mental health support more accessible."
The Side by Side podcast will be available on CPSL Mind's YouTube channel, with future episodes delving into youth mental health and other local initiatives. And this is the part most people miss: the CPSL Mind team will also be at Cambridge United Football Club on February 14th, supported by the Cambridge United Foundation, showcasing their unwavering commitment to community mental health.
So, what do you think? Is this podcast series a step towards breaking the stigma around mental health, or is it just scratching the surface? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
