Gloucestershire teacher launches mental health podcast
Tom Willetts is opening up the conversation of mental health to young people
A teacher from Gloucestershire is launching a podcast to open up the conversation about mental health to young people.
Tom Willetts, pastoral lead at Churchdown School Academy in Gloucester, in launching the Let's Get Talking Podcast.
It will feature a range of guests from people with lived experiences of mental health difficulties to experts who can provide guidance and advice.
Tom was inspired to launch the podcast after realising the severe impact the pandemic was having on young people.
Tom Willetts, founder of the Let's Get Talking podcast, said:
"It's really about normalising the conversation of mental health. The pandemic has brought the topic to the forefront of people's minds but there's more to be done.
"I want to provide a different outlet of support by sharing stories of people's experiences with mental health and how they have recovered from it as well".
We're told guests include people in the public eye as well as those who've got in touch who want to share their inspiring stories - with one guest being as far away as the U.S.
Last week the Prince's Trust released results from their 2020/21 Youth Index, warning of the "devastating toll" the pandemic is taking on young people aged 16-25.
Tom continued:
"Predominantly I was to engage with young people in secondary school to encourage them to open up more but it is available for absolutely anyone who wants to listen.
"I'm hearing first hand from young people how much they're struggling with anxiety. The uncertainty the pandemic has brought to their lives means they're really struggling.
"One of the ways they deal with issues is by having that support network around them, like their friends at school. But that's been completely stripped away from them now schools are closed".
Tom is hoping the podcast format will provide a different way to access help and give comfort to people who may not be ready to talk about their issues but want to listen to others.
He continued:
"Hopefully it's another outlet where, people at a click of a button can listen to someone else who may be going through a similar situation to them.
"Obviously there are so many fantastic organisations and charities who provide support, but I find sometimes it's one thing telling people about those, but it's another thing them actually getting in touch which can be the most difficult thing."
"Essentially it's all about opening up the conversation, allowing people to tell their stories so other may be able to relate to them and give them some sort of release".
The podcast is set to feature a whole range of guests, with some local voices on it as well.
The first episode is set to be released on February 1 on all major streaming platforms with an episode released fortnightly after that.