Mental health stigma is a silent battle many fight alone, but one Cambridgeshire podcast is determined to change that. In a bold move to tackle this pervasive issue, the region’s newest mental health podcast kicks off with a powerful conversation featuring Gary Clarke, a former prison officer turned mental health advocate, and Allan Hughes, the co-production lead at CPSL Mind. Together, they’re not just talking about mental health—they’re dismantling barriers and sparking conversations that matter.
But here’s where it gets even more impactful: Both Clarke and Hughes are deeply involved in supporting fathers through CPSL Mind’s perinatal services, including the groundbreaking Andy’s Man Club in Peterborough. Clarke, now a Perinatal Project Dads Worker at CPSL Mind, extends his support to dads across Cambridgeshire, helping them navigate the challenges of fatherhood and mental well-being. And this is the part most people miss: Clarke emphasizes, 'Life doesn’t come with a manual, and men often carry the weight of being the provider, but we’re here to say it’s okay to not be okay. Mental health isn’t about meeting others’ expectations—it’s about being the best version of yourself.'
Hughes adds, 'These conversations are raw, unfiltered, and exactly what our community needs right now. By partnering with CPSL Mind, we’re making mental health support feel less like a chore and more like a lifeline.'
The Side by Side podcast, available on CPSL Mind’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@cpslmind5837), promises to be a game-changer. Future episodes will dive into youth mental health and spotlight other local initiatives, ensuring no one feels left behind. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can podcasts truly bridge the gap in mental health support, or are they just scratching the surface? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Mark your calendars: On February 14th, the CPSL Mind team will be at Cambridge United Football Club, backed by the Cambridge United Foundation, to showcase their unwavering dedication to community mental health. It’s not just an event—it’s a movement. Will you be part of it? Let us know what you think about their approach and whether you believe initiatives like these can make a lasting difference.
