YU Chat

Marlene Shiels OBE, FCBI is CEO of Capital Credit Union, based in Edinburgh. She joins Paul to talk about what a credit union is, the inclusive and charitable work that CCU does, and her passion for financial inclusion for everyone, regardless of social and economic circumstances. They discuss how finances and mental health are closely linked, and how important it is to build financial resilience.

Alistair Booth is the owner and founder of The HR Booth, an organisation that provides HR services to businesses and organisations who do not have their own internal HR teams. He talks to us about the importance of focusing on wellbeing in the workplace, the impact it can have on business performance, and the changes he has seen in recent years in the way that businesses think about mental health and what that might mean for the future.

Dr Amy Ferguson is the Network Scientific Coordinator for the Circadian Mental Health Network at Edinburgh University. She joins Paul to talk about the intricacies of the body's circadian rhythm, how it dictates our sleep patterns, and the ways in which it can impact on our mental wellbeing. Find out more about Amy, and the work of the CMHN here: https://www.circadianmentalhealth.org/amy-ferguson#mentalhealth #wellbeing #yuchat #sleep #circadianrhythm

Nathalie Jones is a dietician based in Glasgow who helps people get the most out of their diet, to ensure it works specifically for them. She talks to Paul about the importance of tailoring diet to the individual and their lifestyle, and how making dietary change isn't just about the calories but also about being much more conscious of eating habits.Find out more about Nathalie here: www.nathalie-jones.co.uk facebook.com/nathaliejonesdietitian instagram.com/nathaliejonesdietitian

Harrison, a student at Napier University in Edinburgh, joins Paul to talk about life as a mature student, and how it impacts his mental health. He discusses his anxiety, and the sense of inadequacy he feels at his achievements, and how he balances self-care with his studies.#mentalhealth #wellbeing #students #studentlife #anxiety

Josh Quigley is an athlete, world record holder and public speaker. He has battled mental health challenges, including issues with alcohol and a failed suicide attempt, and has faced obstacles in his pursuit of his cycling goals, including being hit by a car at 70mph. He is the world record holder of the fastest time to complete the North Coast 500, and the greatest distance cycled in one week. He has cycled round the world, and now has his sights set on the Tour de France. He joins Paul to tell his incredible story, highlighting the experiences he's had that have made him more resilient and determined, and to talk about his work raising awareness of mental health. Find out more about Josh here: https://www.joshquigley2026.com/ #mentalhealth #wellbeing #cycling #depression #alcohol #guinessworldrecord

Brian is a mental health trainer, running courses on understanding and raising awareness of mental health issues and how to cope with and manage them. He is one of Scotland's few Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) practitioners. He joins Paul to discuss the often taboo subject of suicide, why we should be more open about it, as well as sharing his own experience of depression, anxiety and suicide.

Alannah talks about living with endometriosis, the impact it has on her mental health, and her work raising awareness about the condition as an ambassador for an endometriosis charity.

Matt discusses his experience of running ultra marathons and the mental resilience required to complete such feats of endurance. He also talks about how society can make things too easy for us, so challenging yourself with hardship can help you appreciate what you've got, and learn what you're capable of.

Psychotherapist Gin Lalli joins Paul to talk about stress and anxiety, solutions for managing them in a practical and individual way, and about the misconception that therapists can fix everything.

Kevin talks candidly about his experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis, and how it impacted his mental health. He also talks to us about the book he has written, collating the stories of people who have been through similar situations in order to help others facing cancer

Dr Ashley Smith talks to Paul about anxiety, behaviour change, and how our mind play tricks on us. A bit more about Ashley: Dr Ashley Smith is a clinical psychologist, focusing on anxiety disorders. She is also open about living with a visual impairment, and uses her personal experience combined with her professional training to educate and inspire. Find out more here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drashleysmith/

Dr Paulina Trevena is a hypnotherapist, mindset coach and researcher. She joins Paul to discuss her work helping people to overcome anxiety and improve self-esteem, and how her personal experience with ADHD and aphantasia impacts her area of research.

Paul talks to keen cyclist and mental health champion Andy Shea about the power of exercise to help see you through life's challenges

Paul talks to Gillies about his diet, how he sees the world and adds a little controversy into the YU camp. Oh and Paul gets a hug... Finally...!

Louise talks to Maeve and Paul about self-harm amongst children and young people, and technology and mental health

Joining Paul is Carrie-Anne, a therapist and serving Scottish Police Officer discussing her therapy modality, her work with The Scott Martin Foundation and her passion for music.

Dr Heather talks to Paul and Maeve about her research, her unbridled experience in digital health technology and her love of tracking!

Katy Oliver talks to Paul about her experience with OCD and depression and the coping mechanisms she has developed, loneliness and her quest for contentment, and her love of crafting, cat and music

We are joined by Maeve's mum Mary O'Boyle to talk about intergenerational trauma, growing up during the troubles in Northern Ireland, emotional triggers and the need for humour to cope with challenging times.