Mental health podcast hopes to beat stigma
CPSL MindA mental health charity is producing a new local podcast that aims to reduce stigma and support wellbeing.
The first Side By Side podcast is part of Time to Talk Day - a national campaign that encourages open conversations about mental health.
The podcast, created by Cambridgeshire, Peterborough & South Lincolnshire (CPSL) Mind in partnership with the Citizen Hub in St Neots, hopes to provide a platform for discussions about mental health, with the first episode focusing on men.
Ashley Bunn, CPSL Mind chief executive, said: "Time To Talk Day reminds us all to check in with someone and start important conversations... support should be accessible in every community."
The charity said one in four people experience a mental health challenge each year.
Mind provides a range of local services including peer support groups, Good Mood Cafes, Calm Spaces, a perinatal service for new parents, and the Sanctuary referral service for those in crisis.
In 2024-25, CPSL Mind supported more than 8,000 people, including 160 individuals weekly at Good Mood Cafes and 197 through perinatal services.
The aim of these initiatives was to reduce stigma and provide vital community connections.
'Breaking that taboo'
The first podcast features Gary Clarke, a former prison officer and mental health advocate, and Allan Hughes, CPSL Mind's co-production lead.
Both mental health champions support fathers through CPSL Mind's perinatal services, including the Andy's Man Club in Peterborough. Clarke now supports dads across Cambridgeshire in his Perinatal Project Dads Worker role at CPSL Mind.
He said: "Life is tough, and men often feel pressure to provide, but we're breaking that taboo.
"Mental health is about being the best you can be, not the best others expect."
Hughes said: "These discussions are raw, real, and timely. We're proud to collaborate with CPSL Mind to make mental health support approachable."
The Side by Side podcast will be available on CPSL Mind's YouTube channel, with future episodes covering youth mental health and other local initiatives.
The CPSL Mind team will also be at Cambridge United Football Club on 14 February, supported by the Cambridge United Foundation, highlighting their ongoing commitment to community mental health.
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