What the Friday Youth Podcast

Episode 40: The 'Student Finances' Episode

Starting university can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to money. In this episode, Asher talks with Gemma, a Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer from the University of Huddersfield, about the real costs of going to university and how to manage your finances with confidence.
They break down:
Tuition fees – what they are, how much they typically cost, and how the Tuition Fee Loanworks
Living costs – rent, bills, food, travel, and how far the Maintenance Loan usually stretches
Living at home vs. moving away – commuting, halls of residence, and private accommodation
Hidden costs – laundry, course materials, printing, insurance, TV licence, and more
Extra funding – NHS bursaries, Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA), university bursaries and scholarships
Part-time work – how jobs can help bridge the gap and boost your CV
Loan repayments – when you start paying back, how much you pay, and why it works more like a tax than a typical debt
If you’re wondering whether university is financially realistic for you, or how to cover the gap between your loan and your actual costs, this episode will help you understand your options and where to get trustworthy advice.
Useful links mentioned in this episode:
Student Finance Calculator (UK Government) – work out your loan entitlement:https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator
Student Finance (general government info):https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
MoneySavingExpert – Student Finance guides (Martin Lewis):https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/
The Student Room – forums and advice on student life & finance:https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/
University of Huddersfield – Fees, funding, and support:https://www.hud.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-finance/
Destination – Useful Podcasts (as mentioned):https://destination.org.uk
If you’d like more information about student finance, funding options, and cost-of-living tips, check the links above and explore the resources in the podcast show notes.

Episode 39: The 'Taking advantage of the NHS App' Episode

Bailey Grace interviews Matt Davies, a digital transformation lead at Pennine GP Alliance to discuss the NHS app's benefits for teens and young adults.
The app allows users to order prescriptions, manage appointments, view health records, and get quick advice on symptoms. It also supports proxy access for caregivers.
Key features include two-factor authentication and secure access to health data. However, some GP surgeries may not offer all functionalities. The app is expanding to integrate with wearables and offer new features like "My GP" for non-urgent care.
The app is available on your phone's App Store (Apple App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android), search NHS App and tap "Install". For full details click the NHS guide here: https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-app/toolkit/step-by-step-guide
 
Special thanks to:
Calderdale Cares Partnership https://www.calderdalecares.co.uk/,
Calderdale VAC https://www.cvac.org.uk/ 
NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board https://www.westyorkshire.icb.nhs.uk/
For their help and support in making this episode. 
 
🌟 Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes and follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod) to stay in the loop!
Special thanks to Locala for hosting us www.locala.org.uk and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together.
Finally special thanks to Jimi for editing and for Paul A Jackson for the music. 

Episode 38: The 'Small Problems Becoming Big Problems' episode

In this episode, Ella and Ruby from Invictus Wellbeing discuss how small issues can escalate into significant mental health problems if not addressed early.
Ruby emphasises that mental health support is crucial even before a crisis, likening it to preventive care. She explains that ignoring feelings can lead to burnout and anxiety, which can worsen if left unchecked.
Ruby advises on early signs of struggle, such as anxiety, changes in behavior, and sleep patterns, and stresses the importance of self-care and seeking help. She reassures that mental health support is not selfish but essential for personal and societal well-being.

Episode 37: The 'Normalising Mental Health' episode

In this episode, Finley discusses normalising mental health with Ruby from Invictus Wellbeing.
Ruby explains that the stigma around mental health often deters young people from seeking help. She emphasises that mental health struggles are common and not needing a diagnosis to take care of one's mental health is normal.
Ruby suggests using direct language to discuss mental health issues and educating others to reduce stigma. She advises choosing who to confide in and highlights the role of schools, friends, and social media in reducing mental health stigma. Normalizing mental health is crucial for easier access to support and making people feel safer to discuss their issues.

Episode 36: The 'Stress and Life Transitions' episode

Beau discusses stress and life transitions with Michela from Invictus Wellbeing.
Michela explains that life changes, such as starting college or a job, cause stress due to uncertainty and cultural pressures. She differentiates between normal stress, anxiety, and burnout, emphasising the importance of recognising when to seek help.
Healthy coping mechanisms include routine, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and mindfulness. Avoidance, comparison, overloading oneself, and not asking for help worsen stress. Social media can exacerbate stress, and daily habits like sleep, exercise, and social connection can mitigate it.
Professional help is recommended if stress impacts daily life.

Episode 35: The 'Finding Out About Mental Health' episode

Miroslav discusses mental health with Michaela from Invictus Wellbeing.
Michaela explains the difficulty in finding clear information about mental health due to medical jargon and stigma, but notes progress with youth-led movements and online resources.
She defines mental health as the foundation of emotional and psychological well-being, emphasising that it exists on a spectrum and can be influenced by stress, support, and self-care. Common mental health issues in young people include anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, and self-harm.
Michaela advises seeking help early, using reliable online tools, and normalizing mental health conversations to reduce stigma.

Episode 34: 'The 'Opening Up About Mental Health' episode

In this podcast episode, Noah interviews Danny from Invictus Wellbeing about the challenges young people face when opening up about their mental health.
Danny explains that young people often fear judgment and feel misunderstood, especially with the pressure to compare themselves to others online. He emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence and encourages seeking help as a sign of strength, not weakness.
Danny suggests starting small, such as journaling or talking to a trusted friend, and highlights various support options like school counselors, mental health charities, and anonymous online platforms. He reassures that asking for help is a positive step and can lead to better mental health outcomes.

Episode 33: The 'Cyber Bullying' episode

Blake discusses cyberbullying with Danny from Invictus Wellbeing.
Cyberbullying is defined as any form of bullying that occurs online, including social media, messaging apps, and gaming chats. It can be particularly damaging due to its 24/7 availability and anonymity.
Danny advises victims to document evidence, block the bully, and seek help from trusted adults or mental health professionals. Cyberbullying can severely impact mental health, leading to decreased confidence, sleep disturbances, and long-term relationship issues. Schools and communities should educate youth on digital respect and provide safe spaces for support.
Various resources, such as Childline and Young Minds, are available for those affected.

Episode 32: The 'Depression' episode

In this episode of the "What the Friday" podcast, Warren and Danny from Invictus Wellbeing discuss depression, differentiating it from general sadness, and its impact on daily life.
Danny explains that clinical depression is a diagnosable mental health condition affecting cognition, behaviour, and emotions, and can manifest in various forms, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.
He emphasises the importance of recognising signs of depression, such as prolonged sadness, loss of interest, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and the need for professional help. Danny also highlights the role of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication in treatment, and encourages reaching out for support to overcome depression.

Episode 31: The 'Sleep' episode

Tamara and Latifat discuss sleep deprivation among teens and young adults, inviting Dr. Joy to explain the science behind it.
Dr. Joy explains that teen brains release melatonin later, causing sleep difficulties. Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep, which lack affects focus, memory, and mood. Screen time before bed suppresses melatonin and disrupts circadian rhythms.
Insomnia can be caused by stress, caffeine, screens, and inconsistent routines. Naps are beneficial if short, but weekend sleep-ins can disrupt the body clock. Energy drinks are discouraged due to their negative effects. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to immune system issues and poor vaccine response.
Dr. Joy advises consistent sleep habits and a wind-down routine for better sleep.
For more information: 
Find your local GP or register with a GP surgery https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
Locala: https://www.locala.org.uk
You can also find a range of useful links on Destination https://destination.org.uk/app/section/useful-links (Sign in required)
 
Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people.    
You can also follow up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod)
Special thanks to Locala and Kirklees College for supporting this episode, Jimi for editing and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together.
Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music.