'breath' 'pause' 'stop' -these are words i need in my head when it gets hard. a good physical way to manage situations is literally to 'take a step back' . take one step backwards and get some space around you to assess how you feel

In this episode, Maddi and Orlaith are joined by Rachel Dean for this conversation all about understanding neurodiversity and how it impacts mental health.

Discover what a ‘social rulebook’ is, why navigating change can be especially challenging for neurodiverse people and how to put yourself in a child’s shoes to understand their perspective. We focus on young people’s experiences with autism and ADHD to explore building resilience as a neurodiverse child and we have an in-depth discussion on how society needs to change to better support everyone.

About NottAlone
NottAlone.org.uk is a mental health support resource for people of all ages in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, offering advice and information on a range of mental health subjects, as well as connections to free support services.
 
NottAlone is for all ages, covering individuals, workplaces and advice on how to support a friend or loved one. There’s a dedicated section of the website for children and young people, their parents/carers and professionals working with them.
 
Visit the NottAlone website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠nottalone.org.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠
 
About the podcast
This episode of The NottAlone podcast was recorded by Brendon Gravell at Inspire’s The Old Library ArtsCentre in Mansfield and produced by Jessica Beckwith and Francesca Vaney. Our theme music is the NottAlone song, Not Alone by Alex Mighten.
 
Find out more about the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠nottalone.org.uk/thenottalonepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠
  
NottAlone is a partnership between Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board.


Understanding neurodiversity and mental health.

That’s a wrap! Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Orlaith Green look back on series one of The NottAlone Podcast and share their highlights. 
 
This series has been all about young people’s mental health, from infants to teenagers, with real conversations, personal experiences and expert advice aimed at busy parents and professionals, including teachers, who are working with children and young people. 

If you've enjoyed this series, please remember to subscribe for future episodes and leave us a comment, rating or review wherever you listen to help us reach more people to join in the conversation.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this season and any suggestions on what you want us to cover next! You can get in touch by leaving us a comment, on our social media or by emailing ⁠nottalone@nottscc.gov.uk⁠.
 
Remember, whatever you’re going through, you are not alone.
 
About NottAlone

NottAlone.org.uk is a mental health support resource for people of all ages in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, offering advice and information on a range of mental health subjects, as well as connections to free support services.

NottAlone is for all ages, covering individuals, workplaces and advice on how to support a friend or loved one. There’s a dedicated section of the website for children and young people, their parents/carers and professionals working with them.

Visit the NottAlone website: ⁠⁠nottalone.org.uk⁠⁠ 

About the podcast 
This series of The NottAlone podcast was recorded by Brendon Gravell at Inspire’s The Old Library Arts Centre in Mansfield and produced by Jessica Beckwith and Francesca Vaney. Our theme music is the NottAlone song, Not Alone by Alex Mighten. 

Find out more about the show: ⁠⁠nottalone.org.uk/thenottalonepodcast⁠⁠⁠ 

NottAlone is a partnership between Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board.



Reflecting on series one of The NottAlone Podcast

Content warning: this episode contains discussions around suicide and bereavement. 

In our first episode of series two, we’re joined by Nottingham-based rapper, beatboxer and performer Alex Young, also known as Motormouf. Alex shares his personal journey of losing friends to suicide, opening up about the impact of grief, the complexities of bereavement by suicide, and the importance of mental health support.

Through honest conversation, Alex reflects on how these experiences have shaped his life and music, and how creative expression has helped him navigate pain and healing. We talk about the stigma surrounding suicide, the misconceptions that often prevent people from seeking help, and the power of speaking out.

Whether you’ve been affected by suicide or are supporting someone who has, we hope this conversation offers comfort, connection, and most importantly hope.

If you're struggling, you're not alone. Help is available 24/7:

📞 Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24/7)
📞 NHS Mental Health Support – Dial 111, then press option 2
📞 Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Crisis Sanctuaries – 0330 822 4100

Visit NottAlone.org for local and national support services. 


Alex Young aka Motormouf on suicide prevention, bereavement and grief

Gambling, addiction and recovery with Jah Digga

What is the difference between stress and burnout? Host Maddi is put to the test with a quick quiz to kick off this episode.
 
Special guest Nardia O’Connor (Senior Health, Wellbeing and Organisational Development Practitioner) joins the conversation offering powerful and practical insights on how burnout is showing up in today’s workplaces and what leaders can do to tackle it head on and create workplaces that genuinely support mental wellbeing.


From psychological safety to the invisible weight of workplace stigma, this episode is packed with insights for leaders, managers, and anyone navigating modern work life.
 
Whether you're leading others or feeling the pressure yourself, this episode is a must-listen on building healthier, more human workplaces.


Workplace burnout and leading with wellbeing in mind with Nardia O'Connor

Men’s mental health – why are men struggling and how we can help with Alex Mighten

Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Órlaith Green are joined by NottAlone’s Jessica Beckwith for an open and honest conversation about women’s mental health. Jess is a Communications and Marketing professional currently working with NottAlone, and she is the producer of The NottAlone Podcast.

As Jess prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her second child, she opens up about the highs and lows of early motherhood, the transition from one child to two, finding identity in her career and how her ‘village’ keeps her mentally strong during tough times.

Hear about the life-changing benefits of strong female friendships and connections, the impact of seeing more women in the workplace occupying leadership roles, and how the mental load affects mental health in a fascinating discussion about unique challenges faced by women.

The episode delves into Jess’s personal experiences as we tackle everything from mental load to hormone cycles and address the big question faced by women today: can we really have it all?

Please remember to subscribe for future episodes and leave us a comment, rating or review wherever you listen to help us reach more people to join in the conversation.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any suggestions on what you want us to cover next! You can get in touch by leaving us a comment, on our social media or by emailing nottalone@nottscc.gov.uk.

Remember, whatever you’re going through, you are not alone.

From mental load to motherhood: discussing women’s mental health with Jessica Beckwith

The power of sports psychology for everyday mental health with Dr. Melissa Morrison

As series two wraps up, Maddi and Órlaith look back on the conversations from this season and share moments that left a lasting impact.


From suicide prevention and addiction to workplace burnout, men’s mental health, motherhood, and the psychology of sport, this season we explored many sides of mental wellbeing.


We’d love to hear your thoughts on series two and any suggestions on what you want us to cover next! You can get in touch by leaving us a comment, on our social media or by emailing ⁠⁠nottalone@nottscc.gov.uk⁠⁠.


Remember to subscribe for future episodes and leave us a comment, rating or review wherever you listen to help us reach more people to join in the conversation.


Remember, whatever you’re going through, you are not alone.


And...that's a wrap for series two!

Real talk about mental health.

Join hosts Dr. Orlaith Green and Dr. Maddi Popoola, co-founders of NottAlone, as they open up honest conversations about mental health and wellbeing on The NottAlone Podcast.

Each episode brings you real-life stories, practical advice and insights from local professionals and advocates from across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. From building resilience in early childhood to navigating anxiety, school attendance, neurodivergence and how closely linked our physical and mental health is – no topic is off the table.

Our goal is to break stigma, normalise mental health discussions, and raise awareness of the free local support available in Notts. Life comes with challenges, but no matter what you’re going through, you are not alone.

Men’s mental health – why are men struggling and how we can help with Alex Mighten

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