Louise Christie leads the Scottish Recovery Network and has spent over a decade shifting power from systems to people with lived experience. She came into mental health from housing, regeneration and social enterprise — an outsider who saw how medicalised services miss what people actually need. We talk family and identity, and the moment peer support moved from theory to practice. Louise explains how SRN pivoted from being “the experts” to conveners and amplifiers — backing grassroots groups, launching Making Recovery Real in Dundee and Moray, and proving that peer support isn’t a “nice-to-have” but a mechanism for culture change. You’ll hear the real differences between Scotland and England (and what devolution gets right and wrong), why peer leadership must sit alongside clinical roles, and how to grow a peer workforce without draining community lifeblood. We cover boundaries, stigma, the myth of “treatment-resistant” people, and why relational, values-based practice beats box-ticking every time. If you care about recovery that’s human, practical, and led by the people who live it — this conversation is for you.   You’ll hear about: The shift from “fixing people” to listening and empowering Making Recovery Real: what changed in Dundee and Moray Why peer support changes outcomes and mindsets Peer leadership vs entry-level roles — and why the distinction matters Scotland vs England: strategy, delivery, and what needs to be operationalised Building peer roles with the grassroots, not at their expense Boundaries, stigma, and seeing lived experience as an asset If this resonates, share it with a colleague or commissioner — and start a conversation about peer leadership where you are. #PeerSupport #LivedExperience #ScottishRecoveryNetwork #MentalHealth #Recovery #CultureChange #NHSScotland #MakingRecoveryReal #Devolution #Workforce Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Show notes & resources: With-you consultancy: www.with-you.co.uk

Claire Kendall has spent three decades at the BBC and watched the job shift from fast hits to long, immersive reporting. The stories go deeper. So does the emotional load. When she saw that weight landing on reporters — and on the people they film — Claire helped build a peer support network that now counts 300 trained volunteers across the organisation. In this conversation we talk about duty of care, boundaries, and what “looking after your contributors” really requires when stories run for months. Claire shares why a simple check-in can stop a crisis, how time-limited, confidential conversations (usually up to three) give colleagues space to breathe, and why “you can’t pour from an empty cup” isn’t a cliché — it’s policy. We hear the moment she first saw peer support in action on a mother-and-baby unit for postpartum psychosis — and how that experience sparked a model the BBC could scale: trained volunteers, coordinators, supervision, signposting, and real stop-gaps to prevent burnout. Claire also explains what younger journalists are asking for, the role of positive psychology in everyday wellbeing, and why clear boundaries (not late-night texts) protect both truth-telling and mental health. If you work in news, documentaries, or any high-pressure team, this one is practical and hopeful: peer support makes the work better — and keeps people well. You’ll hear about: The shift from fast news to documentary-level access and its hidden toll Building a 300-volunteer peer support network: training, matching, supervision, data Boundaries that protect contributors and journalists Why short, confidential, structured chats often beat “open-ended support” How positive psychology and small habits (sleep, food, movement) change outcomes What good workplace wellbeing looks like when budgets are tight If this helped, share it with your newsroom or HR lead — and start the conversation about peer support where you work. #PeerSupport #Journalism #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthAtWork #BBC #Documentary #Burnout #Boundaries #PositivePsychology Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Show notes & resources: With-you consultancy: www.with-you.co.uk

When Rob lost his arm in a motorbike crash — and was left fighting to save his leg and shoulder — and Cat nearly lost her leg while out running, neither imagined their recoveries would become intertwined. In this moving episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Cate speaks with Rob Hope and Cat Neill, two survivors of catastrophic injury whose lives were transformed by the power of peer support.   Rob faced months of vulnerability and adaptation after his accident. Cat spent five months in hospital and endured nine limb-saving surgeries. Both discovered Day One Trauma — a charity that helps anyone affected by major physical trauma rebuild their life — and it was there that their paths crossed.   Rob became Cat’s peer supporter, offering honesty, flexibility, and lived experience at the moment she needed it most. Their story is one of survival, connection, and the extraordinary difference peer support can make when medical care alone is not enough.   We discuss: What it feels like to face life-changing injury overnight The role of Day One Trauma in recovery and rebuilding lives How peer support creates hope when everything else feels lost Rob’s journey from trauma survivor to peer supporter Cat’s “why not me?” mindset and the resilience it sparked Life after trauma — mountains climbed, milestones reached, and lessons learned   Whether you’re navigating recovery yourself, supporting a loved one, or working in healthcare, Rob and Cat’s story is an inspiring reminder that no one should face trauma alone.   Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.   Show notes & resources: With-you consultancy: www.with-you.co.uk Day Once Trauma Support: https://dayonetrauma.org/   Catastrophic injury, resilience, and the role of Day One Trauma in helping survivors rebuild their lives.

What happens when your life changes in an instant — and nothing feels familiar anymore? In this moving episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Cate speaks with Emily Sole, a trade union professional, trainer, and peer support volunteer, about her ongoing recovery following a catastrophic head-on collision in early 2024. Left with life-threatening injuries and facing a long, uncertain road ahead, Emily discovered the power of one-to-one peer support through Day One Trauma Support, a charity that helps people rebuild their lives after major physical trauma.   Emily opens up about how peer support gave her a place to belong at a time when she no longer recognised her own life. She shares how drawing on her professional skills in mentoring, coaching and advocacy helped her reconnect with her sense of identity, and how volunteering has become a vital part of her healing journey.   We discuss: The emotional and physical reality of surviving a traumatic injury How isolation and identity loss affect recovery Why peer support made the difference when everything else felt overwhelming Finding purpose and value after trauma What it means to be “at the beginning” of rebuilding your life The importance of connection, honesty — and small “glimmers” of hope   Whether you’re navigating recovery, supporting someone through trauma, or working in health or care services — this episode offers raw insight, resilience, and a powerful reminder of why peer support matters.   Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.   Show notes & resources: With-you consultancy: www.with-you.co.uk Day One Trauma Support: https://dayonetrauma.org/

What happens when a single moment changes everything — your body, your identity, your future? In this moving episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Cate speaks with Ryiah Beesley-Gibson — a mental health practitioner, trauma survivor, and now a passionate peer supporter. Just weeks before starting a new job in crisis mental health care, Ryiah sustained a catastrophic hip injury while travelling in Bali - setting off a long, painful recovery and a complete reimagining of her life. Now training as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and volunteering with Day One Trauma Support, Ryiah shares her honest reflections on recovery, anger, meaning-making, and how peer support offered a vital turning point when everything else felt lost.   We discuss: Navigating a traumatic injury far from home The emotional and physical cost of delayed recovery Identity, activity, and what happens when you lose both Turning pain into purpose through peer support. The intersection between clinical care and lived experience Why peer support isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential Whether you’re in the early stages of recovery, supporting someone through trauma, or working in healthcare — Ryiah’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we meet each other as equals.   Show notes & resources: With-you: with-you.co.uk Day One Trauma: https://www.dayonetrauma.org/

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Cate speaks with Ian Smith, a former Rugby Super League referee turned mental health advocate with the charity State of Mind Sport. After officiating over 300 professional matches, Ian’s unexpected exit from the sport led to a personal mental health crisis and a deep loss of identity. In this honest and powerful conversation, he shares how peer support helped him rebuild — and why he now works to support others through State of Mind’s education sessions across the UK. Ian also reflects on his close friendship with ex-rugby league star Jimmy Gittins, and how their contrasting journeys in rugby league give them a unique voice in the mental health space.  Topics include:– Mental health after professional sport– Peer support and identity loss– The work of the charity State of Mind Sport– Resilience, friendship, and life after the whistle Whether you’re in sport, going through a major transition, or supporting someone who is — Ian’s story is a reminder that peer support changes lives. Learn more at with-you.co.uk Visit State of Mind Sport to find out more

What does it mean to become a carer — and how does it change the course of your life? In this powerful episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Cate speaks with Matthew McKenzie, a carer, poet, author, and nationally recognised advocate for unpaid carers. Drawing from his personal experiences caring for his mother (diagnosed with schizoaffective psychosis) and his two autistic brothers, Matt opens up about the emotional toll of caring, the importance of peer-led support, and the power of lived experience to reshape systems. Awarded the British Empire Medal in 2024 for his services to carers, Matt talks about his work with Carers UK, his role as an NHS governor, and his ongoing mission to centre the voices of carers — especially from marginalised communities — in mental health and social care policy. We discuss: Why many carers don’t recognise themselves as carers The mental health impact of caring — and why it’s still overlooked How peer support networks build resilience and connection The role of poetry and creative voice in advocacy Representation, race, and LGBTQ+ inclusion in carer support What needs to change in UK services — and where hope lies Whether you’re a carer, a professional, or just curious about how we can support each other better — this conversation is honest, moving, and essential listening. Learn more about With-you and our peer support communities at with-you.co.uk Visit Matt's YouTube channel: The Caring Mind

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Cate speaks with Georgie Lazzari — Peer Support Development Worker at Derbyshire Healthcare — whose inspiring career shift from marketing into mental health shows how lived experience can drive real, lasting change. Since receiving peer support herself, leaving her job in marketing and then joining Derbyshire Healthcare as a Peer Support Worker in 2021, Georgie has supported people across a wide range of mental health challenges. Now, in a leadership role, she helps others step into peer support — guiding new workers through their own transitions from being supported to becoming supporters. Together, Cate and Georgie explore: How lived experience shapes meaningful peer support The role of empathy and communication in mental health services What it takes to step into a peer support role — and why readiness is personal Career transitions into mental health and the power of purpose Lessons in resilience, motivation, and recovery Whether you’re on your own recovery journey, supporting others, or considering a role in peer support, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your story can make a difference. Learn more at with-you.co.uk Visit Derbyshire Healthcare to find out more

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Cate speaks with Matt - a Peer supporter and Assistant occupational therapist in Hertfordshire’s mental health crisis team. After nearly two decades working in the water industry, Matt made a bold career change following his own experience of living with OCD. He shares what that transition was like, how his diagnosis shaped his outlook, and why peer support plays such a vital role in recovery. You’ll hear how Matt uses lived experience to support others facing mental health crises, what a typical day looks like in frontline care, and how his own radio show on OCD is breaking stigma and building connection. We also explore the difference between peer support and clinical therapy, how to get involved in mental health services, and what hope can sound like at your lowest moment. Topics include: Living with OCD and recognising the signs Peer support vs. traditional mental health care Making a midlife career change into mental health work Stories from the frontline of crisis support Using lived experience to create change Why Matt started his own radio show on OCD Encouragement for those afraid to seek help For more stories — and to learn about peer support — visit with-you.co.uk

What does it mean to bring lived experience into the heart of public services — not just as a voice, but as a driver of real change? In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Cate speaks with Pete Fleischmann, Director of Co-production Works, who shares how his own experience of mental health challenges — and disillusionment with traditional psychiatric care — led him to champion co-production and peer support across health and social care. With roots in the mental health survivor movement and decades of work spanning research, consultancy, and service redesign, Pete reflects on: Why traditional mental health services didn’t work for him The power of co-production to transform systems What peer support and psychotherapy offer that services sometimes miss How Zen meditation, cycling, and connection keep him grounded The story behind Co-production Week and SCIE’s widely-used principles Whether you're working in mental health, social care, or just curious about what genuine co-production looks like — this is a conversation about purpose, persistence, and the people-first future we can build together. Learn more about With You and our peer support communities at with-you.co.uk Find out more about Pete and his work at coproductionworks.co.uk

In this powerful episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, we’re joined by writer and mental-health advocate Lyndsay, whose lived experience has shaped her deep belief in the power of peer support. From the impact of a kind word during crisis to the everyday resilience built through shared understanding, Lyndsay opens up about what it really means to walk alongside someone on a mental-health journey. We explore the moments that changed her life and the tools that helped her heal. That includes her book Life Is Good, which blends poetry, reflection, and raw honesty to offer hope to others navigating similar paths. You’ll hear Lyndsay’s take on: What peer support really is — and why it works How to build your own network of support, even when things feel bleak Why setbacks aren’t failures — and how community can help you bounce back The role of creativity in recovery and connection Whether you're supporting someone, seeking help, or simply curious about the power of shared experience, this conversation is full of heart, hope, and real-life strategies. For more on peer support and mental-health resources, visit with-you.co.ukSubscribe for more lived-experience stories every week.  

In this inspiring episode of the podcast, we sit down with Ruth Hannan and Hannah Webster, co-founders of Care Full Economy, to explore how personal experiences as carers shaped their mission to transform the UK’s approach to care.  Ruth and Hannah share their personal journeys into the world of unpaid care, opening up about the emotional, practical, and political realities of supporting loved ones. From there, we dive into the origins of Care Full—launched in 2023 to challenge the undervaluation of care in our economy. Discover the story behind the name "Care Full" and what it means for carers and society alike. Topics we cover: How today’s economy sidelines care and what a care-centered system could look like The transformative power of peer support and lived experience in reshaping policy Real-life stories of impact from Care Full’s work, bridging research and action The challenges Ruth and Hannah face as women and carers challenging the status quo — and where they find hope One crucial change they wish to see in how care is valued in the UK Plus, hear Ruth and Hannah’s heartfelt advice for carers who feel invisible or undervalued. Learn more about their work at carefulleconomy.co.uk and listen to more stories and insights by searching “Words of Affirmation” on your favourite podcast platform.  

In Neurodivergent Voices, peer specialist William Gallini-Pool brings his lived experience of ADHD and Autism, along with years of frontline work in youth mental health, into powerful and thoughtful conversations. From psychiatric units to classrooms, William has worked across the mental health system to centre young people's voices, challenge outdated practices, and advocate for neurodiverse-friendly support. This podcast explores how peer support can change lives, how services can evolve, and what it really means to create spaces where neurodivergent young people are seen, heard, and supported. Whether he's sharing insights from the Discovery Project, unpacking the realities of neurodivergent life, or reflecting on what still needs to change, William brings warmth, honesty, and radical hope to the mic. If you're passionate about youth mental health, peer-led change, and the power of lived experience, this one’s for you.  

In this episode, we’re shining a light on something truly transformative — The Peer Worker Apprenticeship, delivered by Paragon Skills in partnership with With-you. As someone who has lived through life’s toughest challenges and come out the other side with empathy, strength, and a fierce sense of purpose, Nicky brings not just experience, but lived experience to the forefront of everything she does. You’ll hear about how this apprenticeship is empowering people with their own personal recovery journeys to step into or progress within their professional roles when supporting others — not as clinicians, but as equals. It’s about turning pain into purpose, and story into service. Whether you're already in the world of peer support or just curious about what this programme involves, Nicky offers a moving, real, and deeply personal take on what it means to grow, support, and walk alongside others in their experiences.

Welcome to this special two-part episode, where Nicky shares her deeply personal journey into Peer Support training. In this first episode, Nicky takes us through the pivotal moments of her life—ones filled with love, loss, resilience, and self-discovery. Born in Sheffield as the middle child of three, she always felt she had to work harder to achieve her dreams. From childhood imaginings of owning a rock shop on the east coast to building a successful career in hairdressing and training, her path has been shaped by determination and creativity. As a teenager, Nicky moved to South Africa, where she built a new life. But at just 21, she suffered a devastating loss—her mother, her rock and source of strength, passed away. Life moved forward, and Nicky found love, married, and was expecting a child. But then, tragedy struck again. Her husband was violently taken from her when she was six months pregnant, shattering the world she had built. With no choice but to carry on, she found the strength to keep moving forward, step by step. Twelve years later, she made the difficult decision to return to the UK with her son, where new challenges emerged—his struggles with mental health and addiction, her own battles with cancer, lupus, and a painful skin condition. Yet, through it all, Nicky found purpose. Peer Support became more than just a training course—it became a lifeline, a way to turn pain into progress. In this episode, she opens up about the moments that shaped her, the lessons she’s learned, and the incredible power of resilience. Let’s step into Nicky’s world.

Imagine starting your career at 16, climbing the corporate ladder for over 20 years, only to pivot completely in search of a more meaningful path. That’s exactly what Nicky did. After the birth of her daughter in 2006, she built a career that revolved around creativity, flexibility, and supporting others—whether through running her own businesses, coaching women, or helping small business owners amplify their voices. But behind the success was a silent struggle. Growing up in a generation where mental health wasn’t spoken about, Nicky learned to mask her emotions. It wasn’t until a breakdown in 2020 that she faced her own mental health challenges head-on, using everything she had learned over the years to rebuild. And in doing so, she found her true calling. Now a Peer Support Worker with Mind in Waltham Forest, Nicky uses her lived experience to help others on their recovery journeys. She knows firsthand what it means to struggle, but also what it takes to heal. In this episode, Nicky shares her powerful story—from the corporate world to personal coaching, from breakdown to breakthrough, and ultimately, to a career she never knew existed but was always meant for. If you’ve ever felt lost in your career, battled with your mental health, or wondered how your past experiences could shape a more meaningful future, this conversation is for you. Join us for an inspiring discussion on resilience, reinvention, and the power of lived experience.  

In this compelling episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, we meet Charli, who built a demanding career in British Aerospace while privately battling mental health challenges. After a long and transformative healing journey, Charli made the bold decision to switch careers and dedicate herself to peer support—using her lived experience to help others facing similar struggles. Now a perinatal peer supporter, Charli works with mothers, families, and neurodivergent parents navigating the complexities of postnatal mental health, including:✔️ The role of perinatal peer support in post-natal depression and anxiety recovery✔️ How peer-led mental health support bridges the gap between clinical care and emotional support✔️ The unique challenges faced by neurodivergent parents during pregnancy and early parenthood✔️ Why peer support for new mothers and families is vital for maternal mental health and overall family well-being This episode sheds light on the power of lived experience in perinatal mental health care and the critical role of peer support in reducing stigma, fostering community, and providing compassionate guidance to families facing postnatal challenges. 🎧 Listen now to hear Charli’s inspiring journey and the life-changing impact of perinatal peer support for mothers, families, and neurodivergent parents.  

In this insightful episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, we speak with Tooba, a dedicated psychology student who discovered the power of peer support while working in a secondary school. Passionate about mental health advocacy, she recognized that young people struggling with their mental well-being often find it easier to open up to peers rather than adults. Through her experience as a peer supporter in schools, Tooba discusses:✔️ The unique role of younger peer supporters in helping students feel understood and less alone✔️ Why peer support programs in schools are crucial for early mental health intervention✔️ How peer-led mental health initiatives bridge the gap between students and professional help✔️ The importance of normalising mental health conversations among school-age young people This episode highlights the transformative impact of peer support in education, emphasising how student-led initiatives can create a more compassionate and understanding environment for young people navigating mental health challenges. 🎧 Listen now to hear Tooba’s inspiring journey and the crucial role of peer support in shaping young people’s mental health.  

In this compelling episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, we hear the powerful story of Gary, whose early years were shaped by the challenges of being a military child. Growing up in a constantly shifting environment—moving from base to base as his father served in the RAF—Gary struggled with the emotional toll of repeatedly breaking friendships, adjusting to new surroundings, and dealing with the instability of military family life. As these experiences took a toll on his mental health, Gary eventually faced a mental health crisis that led to hospitalisation. However, his journey didn’t end there. Through peer support, trauma-informed care, and professional help, he found a way forward. Today, Gary is a dedicated peer support worker with the NHS project Op Courage, where he provides essential mental health support for veterans, service leavers, and reservists. In this episode, Gary shares:✔️ How military life impacts childhood development and male mental health✔️ The challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life✔️ The critical role of peer support and trauma-informed care in recovery✔️ His work with Op Courage, helping veterans reclaim their mental well-being This is a must-listen for anyone interested in veterans' mental health, the power of peer support, and the importance of understanding trauma in military families. Whether you're a veteran, a supporter, or someone passionate about mental health advocacy, Gary’s journey will leave you inspired. 🎧 Listen now to hear Gary’s story of resilience, recovery, and the vital role of peer support in veterans’ mental health.