Podcast
Shift
Hosted by Collective Discovery · EN
Curious, bold and challenging, this podcast from Collective Discovery explores how shifts in relationships, power & resources can make the world a better place.
With insightful guests, we ask how larger systems that we are part of need to shift to address our collective challenges.
In our second series we speak with changemakers working at every level—from the grassroots to global movements.
These conversations are honest, inspiring and full of insight—exploring what drives changemakers, the obstacles they navigate, and what keeps them going.
Our first series, informed and inspired by our work with The Listening Fund, explores how youth organisations and funders can better listen to young people.
You can find show notes at https://www.collectivediscovery.co.uk/shift.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Series 2, Ep. 8: Sara Hutchinson, Beyond the Page
1w ago00:10:43Tap to summarizeWomen arriving in the UK can face language barriers and isolation — but community spaces can make a huge difference.In this episode, Jenny Ross speaks with Sara Hutchinson, CEO of Beyond the Page, an English language teaching and community arts organisation based in Thanet, Kent. Sara talks about the organisation’s United Mothers project, which supports women through informal ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) groups.Together they discuss the power of women-only spaces, the friendships and solidarity that emerge through shared experience, and the many challenges the women face. Sara also reflects on social justice, community belonging, and why migrant women are so often misunderstood.This is thoughtful and hopeful conversation about resilience, identity, care and the importance of creating spaces where people feel that they belong.For programme notes and more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Series 2, Ep. 7: Nikki Hildesley, Discovery Planet
1w ago00:11:34Tap to summarizeA young boy spends three hours peering through a microscope at spider skins, completely absorbed by what he is seeing. Later, he brings his mum back so he can show her everything he has learned, despite her fear of spiders.Discovery Planet, a community interest company based in Ramsgate, creates exciting, pop-up science events in everyday public spaces, bringing scientists face to face with young learners. Jenny Ross speaks with Nicky Hildesley, one of Discovery Planet's founders. Nicky shares how a temporary pop-up planetarium in a disused theatre grew into an award-winning organisation that helps people discover new interests, build confidence and see new possibilities for themselves.This is a joyful, inspiring conversation about the transformative impact of giving people opportunities to explore and discover.For programme notes and more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Series 2, Ep. 6: Emma Cooney, Kent Coast Volunteering
May 500:10:46Tap to summarizeThrough services like befriending and volunteer transport, volunteers are helping people stay connected, rebuild confidence, and live more independently—often making a life-changing difference in quiet, unseen ways.In this thoughtful and inspiring episode, Jenny Ross from Collective Discovery speaks with Emma Cooney, Charity Manager at Kent Coast Volunteering, about the power of volunteering to strengthen communities and transform lives. We explore how giving time and skills can benefit both individuals and communities—how Kent Coast Volunteering has innovated to reach people in new ways—and why more sustainable funding is essential to support this vital work.For programme notes and more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Series 2, Ep. 5: Victoria Suchak, Pavilion Youth and Community Cafe
Apr 1500:12:19Tap to summarizeAfter school, the door opens and children tumble in—dropping their bags, grabbing toast, and filling the room with chatter about their day. They let off steam, feel safe, and simply be themselves, with space to play freely.At the Pavilion Youth and Community Café in Broadstairs, these small, everyday moments help confidence grow, friendships form, and vital life skills take shape.In this episode, Jenny Ross visits founder Victoria Suchak, who has created a place many describe as feeling like home, in what was previously a dilapidated and abandoned old cricket pavilion in a public park.Victoria shares how the youth club began, what it takes to sustain it, and why spaces where young people feel known and valued matter so much.Her story is a reminder that meaningful change often happens through quiet determination and a deep understanding of what people need.For more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Series 2, Ep. 4: Vanessa Wood, Age UK Thanet
Apr 200:10:10Tap to summarizeMany older people are isolated and overlooked, and live in conditions that are hard to imagine—sometimes without heating, proper food, or basic household necessities.In this powerful episode, Jenny Ross speaks with Vanessa Wood, CEO of Age UK Thanet, whose team works tirelessly to connect older people to their communities, counter loneliness, and support wellbeing.We hear about the eye-opening challenges older people face, the dedication of Vanessa and her colleagues, and the hope and resilience that comes from meaningful connection and care.This conversation is both moving and inspiring, showing how committed changemakers running targeted interventions can completely transform people's lives.For more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Series 2, Ep. 3: Sian Stevenson, Moving Memory Dance Theatre Company
Apr 200:11:54Tap to summarizeThrough guerrilla dance performances on beaches, high streets, shopping centres, and public spaces, groups of older women are taking dance out into the world—playfully and powerfully disrupting assumptions and inviting audiences to see ageing differently.In this joyous and inspiring episode, Jenny Ross from Collective Discovery speaks with Sian Stevenson, Creative Director of Moving Memory Dance Theatre Company, about a very different story of ageing—one of creativity, connection, power, and joy. We explore how movement and performance can build confidence, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the strength and resilience of older women.For more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Series 2, Ep. 2: Jo Baldwin, Oasis Domestic Abuse Service
Apr 200:15:39Tap to summarizeDomestic abuse can affect anyone, and its impact on children and families can be profound. In this very moving episode, Jenny Ross speaks with Jo Baldwin from the Oasis Domestic Abuse Service in Thanet, who works with children and young people affected by abuse.We hear about the heroic efforts of mothers caring for their children while navigating abuse, the courage of young people finding their voice, and the life-changing support Oasis provides—from therapeutic recovery to creating a sense of belonging. Jo also reflects on the systemic challenges families face, and the hope, resilience, and connection that can help them heal.Please note, this episode includes discussion of domestic abuse. If you are in Kent or Medway and need support, you can contact the Oasis Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 917 9948. Or call the 24 hour National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Series 2, Ep. 1: Introducing the Changemakers Series
Apr 200:08:00Tap to summarizeJenny Ross and Mercy Shibemba introduce our second series, which explores the role of changemakers—people working at every level of the system, from grassroots community action to global movements. What connects them is a commitment to shifting power, building connection, and responding practically and hopefully to the challenges the world is facing.These conversations are honest, inspiring and full of insight—exploring what drives changemakers, the obstacles they navigate, and what keeps them going.You can find full show notes at collectivediscovery.co.uk/shift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Ep. 11: Pathways and progression for young leaders
Oct 3, 202400:17:06Tap to summarizeWhen organisations involve young people in their work and share power with them, the focus is sometimes on how this impacts on the organisation. In contrast, in this episode we explore why young people get involved, how they benefit and how organisations can support them to progress and move on whether that’s within the organisation or to opportunities outside. We spoke to:Sophie Mattholie, Listening Fund Young AdvisorTanya Nelson, Youth Empowerment and Project Lead, Sister SystemJonno Mambu, Spark Inside ChampionNicky Crabb, Director, Little Green Pig This episode is part of our first series which builds on Collective Discovery’s work as Learning Partner of the Listening Fund. You can find all of the Listening Fund’s resources, including blogs and practice papers on a range of topics here. If you found this episode useful, you might want to read this blog: Blog: Listening to staff with lived experience.A series overview, more information on our guests, and additional resources on each topic can be found in the shownotes. For more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We also welcome any feedback you have: please get in touch with us at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Ep. 10: Which young people are we involving?
Oct 3, 202400:20:20Tap to summarizeThere are many different ways to involve young people in an organisation’s work. We hear how four very different organisations tried to ensure their support for young people’s leadership was equitable and inclusive and how they addressed questions of accountability, representation and responsibility. We spoke to:Martha Mackenzie, Executive Director, Civic Power Fund Nicky Crabb, Director, Little Green Pig Tanya Nelson, Youth Empowerment and Project Lead, Sister System Biff, Senior Youth Work Practitioner, Gendered Intelligence. This episode is part of our first series which builds on Collective Discovery’s work as Learning Partner of the Listening Fund. You can find all of the Listening Fund’s resources, including blogs and practice papers on a range of topics here. A series overview, more information on our guests, and additional resources on each topic can be found in the shownotes. For more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We also welcome any feedback you have: please get in touch with us at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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