Conversations on Social Justice and Personal Struggles

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In this episode, Mariam and Melany reflect on their last episode with the fascinating Ceri Harris. They explore themes of social justice, vulnerability, and the emotional challenges faced by healthcare professionals, particularly in the context of current societal issues. Mariam shares her personal struggles with hopelessness during her pregnancy, sparked by the chaotic political landscape, while Melany emphasises the importance of resilience and community support. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Ceri Harris exemplifies the importance of advocacy for social justice, demonstrating that standing up for the vulnerable is a core aspect of her identity. Her courage to confront bullying and discrimination serves as an inspiration for others.

• They highlight the struggle with feelings of hopelessness, particularly in the context of societal issues and personal challenges. Acknowledging these feelings is crucial, and finding ways to cope and regain hope is emphasised as a vital part of the healing process.

• The emotional toll of political events, such as elections, can lead to despair and grief, especially for those who are deeply invested in social justice and progress. The conversation reflects on how these external factors can affect personal well-being and outlook on the future.

• Emphasising the importance of instilling values of kindness, compassion, and resilience in the next generation is a key takeaway. Parents can equip their children with the tools to navigate a chaotic world, fostering a sense of hope and agency.

BEST MOMENTS

"Her ability to advocate is physical. She really is someone who fights for social justice in a way that I think is quite rare and quite admirable."

"I think the world at the moment feels so chaotic and uncertain. I worry that this is the world that I'm bringing a baby girl into."

"It takes a lot just to stand up and say, 'that's not okay.' And she's done that again and again."

"I think this podcast in itself is a bit of an act of hope, trying to offer something out there that is not necessarily in alignment with some of the more mainstream narratives."

"I think holding on to each other and defiantly being kind and defiantly demanding justice and equity, that's how we retain our sense of power."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.