It's a landmark occasion as we are now a video podcast!

In this episode, Sam and Richie dive into a variety of engaging topics — from updates on their Mersey Mind Project and its upcoming charity football match at Prenton Park, to reflections on football legends, the rising costs of sports apparel, and their adventures abroad. They also share personal stories, discuss the impact of football on mental health, and explore everyday challenges like card fees and inflation. They talk about

• Upcoming Mersey Mind Project charity football match at Prenton Park on May 16 and fundraising efforts
• Relaunch of Walk and Talk groups for mental health support and community engagement
• The significance of football in mental health and strong father-son relationships
• The effect of football legends like Mohamed Salah and their influence on young fans
• Experiences of traveling abroad to Ireland and Latvia, discovering hidden gems and cultural differences
• Insights into the creeping costs of football merchandise, especially England kits, and their impact on families
• Concerns over rising fuel, energy, and living costs, and frustrations with ticket pricing at Liverpool FC
• Personal anecdotes including taxi stories and family moments during international breaks

• 
  

In part two, the lads are joined by Jess Trigg from Positivity Club CIC. They explore innovative approaches to mental health, emphasizing early intervention, emotional literacy, and resilience-building strategies for children, teens, and adults. Discover how fun, interactive activities can break down barriers, foster self-love, and nurture emotional intelligence across different age groups.

• Jess shares her personal mental health journey and how it inspired the creation of Positivity Club.
• The importance of early emotional education and the role of play in learning about feelings.
• Strategies for teaching children to identify and regulate big emotions with tools like characters and emojis.
• How to involve parents in mental health initiatives and support children’s emotional development at home.
• The impact of inclusive, safe spaces for children and teens to express themselves authentically.
• Practical approaches to reduce mental health stigma among men and within communities.
• The influence of social media, societal expectations, and toxic masculinity on young boys and men.
• The importance of outdoor activities and nature in supporting neurodiverse children and those with ADHD.
• The role of adult groups in fostering community, self-expression, and ongoing mental health support.
• Jess discusses the significance of diagnosis, self-compassion, and understanding neurodiversity.
• Insights on how societal and educational system changes can better support emotional and mental wellbeing.

• 
  

If you have any questions, suggestions, or if something is going your head in, get in touch at mindsonthemersey@gmail.com

https://www.mindsonthemersey.co.uk

To sign up for all the activities that Mersey Mind Project have to offer, visit

https://www.merseymindproject.co.uk

For everything Positivity Club, visit

https://www.positivityclubcic.co.uk

On episode 5, we officially announce that Richie is the new, permanent co-host of Minds on the Mersey. YEY! So we got him to answer some quick fire questions all about himself.

In honour of international women's day, the lads talk about the women in their lives that have inspired them. They also touch on how the events in the middle east will have an impact on all of our daily lives, before talking about how much of a ball ache Facebook marketplace is!

In the second section, the lads are joined by Liverpool FC legend, George Sephton. George tells us all about his 54 years as the stadium announcer at Liverpool. He talks players, managers, Uefa, Wembley finals, and a whole bunch more.

This really is one not to be missed!

As usual, this podcast is in association with the Mersey Mind Project.

https://www.merseymindproject.co.uk

And we are proudly sponsored by Pigin Bun fermented sauces.

https://www.piginbun.co.uk

On episode 4, Sam is again joined by Richie Whelan, as Chris has stepped away from the podcast.

In the first section, Sam shares what he's been doing with his week off work, including training he's done, Toy story 5 excitement, and his wife finally losing the plot completely!

The lads also dive deeper into what their respective rolls at the Mersey Mind Project are.

In the second section, Sam and Richie are joined by two lads from Mersey Mind Project.

Eddie Morgan, a trustee at the charity, and Sean Stewart, a service user, tell us all about their respective careers in the British armed forces. We discuss why they wanted to join, what they got up to whilst they served, and about when they left, and how they feel they were supported.

https://www.mindsonthemersey.co.uk

https://www.merseymindproject.co.uk

As always, thank you to our sponsor, Pigin Bun fermented sauces.

https://www.piginbun.co.uk