What the Friday Youth Podcast

Episode 44: Starting Work - Struggling with anxiety

In this episode, Joe speaks with Minnie from Invictus Wellbeing about how young people can prepare for work when anxiety or mental health challenges feel overwhelming. They explore the difference between normal nerves and anxiety that might need extra support, focusing on how intensity and impact on daily life can turn worry into a barrier.
Minnie unpacks common challenges that young people face when moving from education into work, including fear of failure, low confidence and imposter syndrome, social anxiety, burnout after exams, depression that affects motivation, and neurodiversity related pressures such as ADHD and autistic burnout. She shares practical strategies for job searching with anxiety, from breaking applications into small steps to using simple grounding techniques before interviews.
The conversation also looks at whether to disclose mental health needs to employers, what reasonable adjustments can look like in the workplace, and how routines can build psychological safety before starting a job. Minnie closes with a powerful message for anyone feeling left behind: struggling does not mean failing, getting support is a strength, and employment is a path where everyone moves at a different pace.
If you are looking for further support or information, you may find these links helpful:
Invictus Wellbeing - West Yorkshire Children and Young Person's Mental Health Charity https://www.invictuswellbeing.com
NHS: Help for Mental Healthhttps://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Mind: Information and Supporthttps://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
Young Minds: Support for Young Peoplehttps://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/
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 43: Starting Work - Getting work with no experience

In this episode, Amal speaks with Minnie from Invictus Wellbeing about one of the biggest challenges young people face: how to get work experience when you don’t have any yet.
They unpack why entry-level roles still demand experience, how repeated rejection can knock your confidence, and what counts as experience beyond paid jobs - from caring for family and school projects to gaming, volunteering, and running social media.
Minnie shares practical, accessible ways to build “micro‑experiences”, translate hidden skills into employer language, and protect your mental health along the way. The conversation also looks at how schools, colleges, and employers can change the system so opportunities don’t just depend on who you know or how much money you have.
In this episode, we cover:
Why getting experience feels so hard - and why it’s not your personal failure
How to recognise hidden skills in everyday life (home, school, gaming, caring)
Micro‑experiences: small steps that build a real CV and portfolio
Coping with rejection and protecting your mental health
The role of confidence and why you shouldn’t wait to feel “ready”
Alternative routes into work: apprenticeships, traineeships, freelancing & more
How schools, colleges, and employers can remove the “no experience” barriers
Useful Links for Young People
You can add these to your show notes as appropriate:
UK Work Experience & Careers Support
Youth Employment UK – guides on skills, work experience and youth‑friendly employers: https://www.youthemployment.org.uk
Prospects (careers advice, CV tips, work experience ideas): https://www.prospects.ac.uk
National Careers Service (job profiles, CV and interview help – England): https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Apprenticeships, Traineeships & Alternative Routes
Apprenticeships (England): https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
UCAS apprenticeships hub: https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships
Princes Trust – employability and enterprise programmes: https://www.princes-trust.org.uk
Volunteering & Social Action
Destination: https://destination.org.uk
Do‑it (volunteering search): https://doit.life
Volunteering Matters: https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk
Mental Health & Wellbeing
YoungMinds (mental health support for young people): https://www.youngminds.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. 

Episode 42: Starting Work - Fear of being judged

In this episode, Jo sits down with Abbie from Avictus Wellbeing to unpack how the fear of being judged can quietly hold young people back as they move from education into employment.
They explore how judgement shows up in everyday moments – not applying for roles you’d be great at, staying silent in meetings, or choosing a “respectable” career over one that actually feels meaningful. Abbie explains why social anxiety is often strongest during this life stage, with identity worries, social media comparison, and uncertainty about the future all piling up.
Across the conversation, Abbie shares practical, youth-friendly strategies to:
Tell the difference between normal nerves and social anxiety
Use small, brave actions to build confidence over time
Shift from perfectionism to “progress over perfection”
Manage interview anxiety with story-based prep and simple breathing techniques
Show up as your real self at work without losing professionalism
“Confidence is built through action, not positive thinking alone.”
If you’ve ever felt paralysed by “What will people think?”, this episode offers reassurance, language, and tools you can use straight away.
Suggested Third‑Party Support & Further Reading
For listeners who’d like more support around anxiety, confidence, and early careers:
Invictus Wellbeing - West Yorkshire Children and Young Person's Mental Health Charity https://www.invictuswellbeing.com
YoungMinds (UK, under 25s – mental health info and support)https://www.youngminds.org.uk
The Mix (UK, under 25s – work, money, and mental health)https://www.themix.org.uk
Mind – Anxiety and Panic Attackshttps://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks
NHS – Social Anxiety (Social Phobia)https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/social-anxiety
 
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 41 Healthy Relationships - Disagreements

Disagreements are a normal part of any relationship - but they don’t have to turn into full‑blown arguments or fallouts. In this episode, hosts Bailey-Grace and Ellen are joined by Lucy Rose from Calderdale Council’s family intervention team, where she works with young people who have been reported missing. Drawing on her experience having “return home” conversations, Lucy shares practical tools to manage conflict in healthier ways.
Together, they explore:
Why disagreements are normal - and what makes some of them turn harmful
How stress, tiredness, and unresolved issues can turn small disagreements into big arguments
What empathy really means in practice, and how to spot when someone’s reaching their limit
Why listening is so hard when emotions are high, and how to slow things down
How to use “I” statements (e.g., “I feel overwhelmed…”) instead of blaming and attacking
When and how it’s okay to pause or walk away from a disagreement
Healthy ways to use time‑out: walking, colouring, talking to a trusted friend, and reflecting
The importance of seeing the other person’s point of view - even when you still disagree
What real repair looks like after an argument (beyond just saying “sorry”)
How naming your feelings (“I feel frustrated,” “I don’t feel listened to”) can de‑escalate conflict and build stronger relationships
This episode is ideal for young people, parents, and anyone who wants more respectful, understanding, and emotionally aware relationships—at home, in friendships, or in future partners.
 
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 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.