What the Friday Youth Podcast

Episode 54: The 'Finding the arts and culture activity for you' episode

In this episode of Youth Social, host Romilly speaks with producer and animator Kath Shackleton about how young people can find and create arts and culture opportunities in their local area.
Drawing on her experiences growing up in Bradford in the 1980s and building spaces like the One-in-12 Club, Cath talks about turning anger and hopelessness into action, using activism and DIY music events to build community and confidence.
They explore how to spot hidden creative opportunities in places that look “dead,” how to use social media without being overwhelmed, and where young people can find support to start their own nights, exhibitions or collectives. From local venues and community cafes to creative boot camps and youth friendly theatres, this episode is packed with practical ideas and encouragement to help you turn an empty space into something vibrant and yours.
 
This episode was kindly funded by YPIP https://ypip.org.uk/
 
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. 
 

Episode 53: The 'Sharing your art for the first time' episode

Sharing your art for the first time can feel terrifying, especially when you are worried about being judged, not feeling talented enough, or not fitting the image of a typical creative. In this episode, Isabelle talks to Jess Woodhead, Youth and Social Arts Lead at Chol Theatre https://wearechol.co.uk, about how young people can move through fear, self doubt and comparison to share their work with confidence.
Jess reflects on her non traditional route into the arts, the pressures of class and privilege, and why failure, uncertainty and being a beginner are all vital parts of the creative process. Together they unpack how school grading can damage creative confidence, why representation and diversity matter in the arts, and practical first steps if you are scared to show your work to others.
In this episode you will learn:
Why feeling like you do not belong in creative spaces is more common than you think
How doubt and failure can actually deepen your artistic voice
Ways to deal with comparison on social media and reframe it as inspiration
How to start sharing your work in small, safe steps that build confidence
Why your lived experience is a form of expertise that belongs in your art
If you are a young person who feels anxious about sharing your creativity, this episode offers honest reassurance, real life experience and concrete ideas to help you take your next step.
 
This episode was kindly funded by YPIP https://ypip.org.uk/
 
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. 
 

Episode 52: The 'Is arts and culture for people like me?' episode

Is arts and culture really for people like me? In this episode, Iarlaithe talks with vocal artist and local entrepreneur Sarala Soul about diversity in the arts, who gets represented, and how young people from underrepresented backgrounds can find their place in creative spaces.
Sarala shares her journey from a nervous 15 year old on a school stage to headlining a sold out show for International Women’s Day in Huddersfield. Together they explore:
Why diversity in arts and culture is improving, but still has a long way to go
How finances, confidence and lack of insider knowledge can shut out young people
Practical ways local creatives can open doors, including volunteering and shadowing
The power of being your authentic self and “being the first in the room”
How fusion across cultures and genres creates new stories and sounds
Perfect for young people, educators and creatives who want to make the arts feel more inclusive, hopeful and real.
 
This episode was kindly funded by YPIP https://ypip.org.uk/
 
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. 
 

Episode 51: The 'How do you make time for arts and culture' episode

How do you keep your creativity alive when you are juggling college, work or caring responsibilities? In this episode, host Isabella speaks with Hardeep Singh Sahota - artist, educator, dancer, choreographer and Creative Director of the South Asian Arts cultural hub - about realistic ways to make space for arts and culture in a busy life.
Hardeep shares how he balanced college, marriage and running a takeaway while still making time for ceramics, graphics, photography and dance. He explains what a "creative practice" is, why short bursts of creativity matter, and how liminal moments like washing dishes or walking to class can feed your ideas. The conversation tackles burnout, guilt about taking creative time, the role of supportive teachers and family, and why arts and culture are essential for a healthy society, not a luxury.
You will hear practical tips on:
Finding 20 to 60 minute pockets of time for creativity each week
Using walks, journaling and voice notes to capture ideas
Staying connected to arts and culture through local events and online content
Supporting artists on social media when you cannot get to galleries
Reconnecting with creativity after burnout, using music and reflective time
 
This episode was kindly funded by YPIP https://ypip.org.uk/
 
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. 

Episode 50: Starting Work - Communications skills they don't teach you

In this episode, Aleeza talks with Alicia from Invictus Wellbeing about the communication skills that young people are rarely taught at school or college, but desperately need when they start work.
Together, they explore:
Why asking for help at work is a strength, not a failure
How to judge when to figure things out yourself and when to seek support
Practical ways to set healthy boundaries with managers and colleagues
Spotting the quiet signs that someone is struggling but not speaking up
The difference between being assertive and being “difficult”
How to give feedback to managers without it feeling confrontational
Advocating for your mental health needs and requesting reasonable adjustments
What schools and colleges should be doing differently to prepare young people for real workplaces
Alicia shares clear, practical language young people can use, such as how to ask for clarity, how to say no politely, and how to frame workplace adjustments without oversharing personal information. The conversation is ideal for students, early career workers, and anyone supporting young people through the transition from education into employment.
Resources and further support:
Invictus Wellbeing: https://invictuswellbeing.com/
Mind - information on workplace mental health: https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/
ACAS guidance on workplace rights and adjustments (UK): https://www.acas.org.uk/
Young Minds - support for young people’s mental health: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
If you are currently struggling with your mental health or work situation, consider reaching out to a trusted adult, your GP, or a local mental health service for support.
 
This project is a part of Wellness Work programme funded by One Community Foundation Kirklees https://one-community.org.uk/ and is being delivered in partnership with TSL Kirklees https://tslkirklees.org.uk/ and Kirklees Council https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/default.aspx.  
Wellness Works Small Grants is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. Healthy Working Life aims to deliver the region’s work and health plan and its vision for West Yorkshire to have the healthiest residents and workforce in England by 2040.
 
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. 

Episode 49: Starting Work - Burnout isn't just for adults

Burnout is not just an adult problem. In this episode, Amal talks with Alicia from Invictus Wellbeing about what burnout really looks like for young people in education, work and in between. They explore how constant tiredness, numbness, social media pressure and money worries can quietly build up until even small tasks feel impossible.
Alicia offers clear, practical steps for spotting burnout early, knowing the difference between normal stress and something more serious, and finding small daily habits that protect your energy. The conversation also covers how employers, colleges and youth services can better support young people so they do not reach crisis point.
In this episode, we cover
What burnout looks and feels like for young people, beyond “laziness”
How the transition from school to work can trigger burnout
The impact of financial pressure and survival mode on mental health
How social media comparison makes burnout worse
Simple daily habits that help protect against burnout
What support to ask for at work, college or from youth services
First steps to take if you feel completely overwhelmed
Support and Further Resources
Invictus Wellbeinghttps://invictuswellbeing.com
YoungMinds - Support for young people’s mental healthhttps://www.youngminds.org.uk
NHS - Mental health services for young people (UK)https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Mind - Information on stress and burnouthttps://www.mind.org.uk
You are not weak or failing if you need rest. Burnout is your body and brain saying “this is too much” and it is okay to ask for support.
 
This project is a part of Wellness Work programme funded by One Community Foundation Kirklees https://one-community.org.uk/ and is being delivered in partnership with TSL Kirklees https://tslkirklees.org.uk/ and Kirklees Council https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/default.aspx.  
Wellness Works Small Grants is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. Healthy Working Life aims to deliver the region’s work and health plan and its vision for West Yorkshire to have the healthiest residents and workforce in England by 2040.
 
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. 
 

Episode 48: Starting Work - Being a young carer

Many young people support a family member without ever using the word “carer.” In this episode, Saman talks with Jason from Invictus Wellbeing about what it means to be a young carer and how to balance caring responsibilities with college, work and your own ambitions.
They explore:
How to recognise you are a young carer even when it just feels “normal”
The impact of stress, tiredness and guilt on education, work and mental health
Why caring and ambition can exist together
Practical strategies for managing time, planning next steps and being honest with employers
How schools, colleges and workplaces can be more carer friendly
Ways to advocate for yourself, know your rights and stay connected to your own dreams
If you are a young carer or you support young carers, this conversation offers validation, language to describe your situation, and practical ideas you can use straight away.
Support and further information
If anything in this episode resonates with you, you might find these resources helpful:
Carers Trust - Support for young carers (UK):https://carers.org
The Children’s Society - Young Carers:https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/our-work/young-carers
YoungMinds - Mental health support for young people:https://www.youngminds.org.uk
NHS - Support and rights for carers (England):https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers
This project is a part of Wellness Work programme funded by One Community Foundation Kirklees https://one-community.org.uk/ and is being delivered in partnership with TSL Kirklees https://tslkirklees.org.uk/ and Kirklees Council https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/default.aspx.  
Wellness Works Small Grants is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. Healthy Working Life aims to deliver the region’s work and health plan and its vision for West Yorkshire to have the healthiest residents and workforce in England by 2040.
 
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. 

Episode 47: Starting Work - Not overthinking everything

In this episode, Momina and Samira sit down with Jason from Invictus Wellbeing to unpack why so many young people overthink their choices about courses, careers and the future.
They explore how external pressure, social media comparison and fear of judgement can turn normal thinking into anxious overthinking, and what healthy decision making looks like instead. Jason shares practical strategies to ease mental overload, including limiting social media, using journaling and creative outlets, building a supportive network and practising positive self talk.
He also tackles perfectionism, low confidence and the myth that everyone else has it all figured out. The conversation ends with an empowering mindset shift for young listeners: see the “I’m possible” in “impossible” and take small, consistent steps toward what truly aligns with you.
Useful links:
Invictus Wellbeing: https://www.invictuswellbeing.com
YoungMinds (youth mental health support): https://www.youngminds.org.uk
NHS Every Mind Matters: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
This project is a part of Wellness Work programme funded by One Community Foundation Kirklees https://one-community.org.uk/ and is being delivered in partnership with TSL Kirklees https://tslkirklees.org.uk/ and Kirklees Council https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/default.aspx.  
Wellness Works Small Grants is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. Healthy Working Life aims to deliver the region’s work and health plan and its vision for West Yorkshire to have the healthiest residents and workforce in England by 2040.
 
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. 

Episode 46: Starting Work - Mental health without the jargon

In this episode, Alnoor talks to Bea from Invictus Wellbeing about mental health in plain language, focusing on the realities of starting work while struggling with anxiety, low mood and confidence.
They explore how to tell the difference between normal nerves and more serious anxiety, what overthinking does to your confidence, and how fear and self doubt can quietly stop you from applying for jobs or even leaving the house.
Bea shares practical, low pressure steps young people can take to move forward, including breaking tasks into tiny actions, trying volunteering or part time roles, and asking for supportive feedback. They also discuss when it might be helpful to tell an employer about your mental health and what reasonable adjustments could look like at work.
If you are looking for support, you can find more information at:
Invictus Wellbeing - West Yorkshire Children and Young Person's Mental Health Charity https://www.invictuswellbeing.com
Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk
YoungMinds: https://www.youngminds.org.uk
NHS mental health services (UK): https://www.nhs.uk/mental-healthIf you are in crisis, please contact local emergency services or a crisis helpline in your area immediately.
This project is a part of Wellness Work programme funded by One Community Foundation Kirklees https://one-community.org.uk/ and is being delivered in partnership with TSL Kirklees https://tslkirklees.org.uk/ and Kirklees Council https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/default.aspx.  
Wellness Works Small Grants is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. Healthy Working Life aims to deliver the region’s work and health plan and its vision for West Yorkshire to have the healthiest residents and workforce in England by 2040.
 
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. 

Episode 45: Starting Work - Doing things for yourself

Leaving school or college can feel like someone has suddenly taken the scaffolding away. In this episode, Saman talks with Bea from Invictus Wellbeing about the “big leap” from education into work and independence, and how young people can look after their mental health along the way.
They explore:
Why the loss of structure and routine can feel so unsettling
Common barriers such as anxiety, low confidence, financial stress and loss of identity
Practical ways to spot the early signs that you are struggling
Simple tools for building routine, resilience and confidence
How employers and communities can create fairer, more supportive pathways into work
Bea shares grounded, realistic strategies like setting one small goal at a time, using mood check ins, and reaching out early for support rather than waiting for crisis point.
Support and further information
Invictus Wellbeing - West Yorkshire Children and Young Person's Mental Health Charity https://www.invictuswellbeing.com
Young Minds - mental health support for young people: https://www.youngminds.org.uk
Mind - information and support for mental health: https://www.mind.org.uk
The Prince's Trust - opportunities, mentoring and employment support for young people: https://www.princes-trust.org.uk
Citizens Advice - money, work and housing advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
MoneyHelper - free and impartial money guidance: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk
This project is a part of Wellness Work programme funded by One Community Foundation Kirklees https://one-community.org.uk/ and is being delivered in partnership with TSL Kirklees https://tslkirklees.org.uk/ and Kirklees Council https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/default.aspx.  
Wellness Works Small Grants is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. Healthy Working Life aims to deliver the region’s work and health plan and its vision for West Yorkshire to have the healthiest residents and workforce in England by 2040.
 
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.