Berkshire Heroes

Reading Film and Video Makers has existed since the 1950s and supports local people to improve their technical and storytelling skills when it comes to making films. Maria is keen to attract new members and later this year will run a course for everyone who wants to improve their video making skills.

Maria also runs her own podcast, My Local Marketer, interviewing local businesses and artists in Reading.

Reading based mental health nurse Matthew Callow talks about his experience supporting local families, the epidemic of loneliness, social media, the explosion of mental health diagnoses in the UK and the struggle some men face talking about their problems.

Donna Wills is an award-winning animal physiotherapist from Bracknell. Her business, Animal Physiotherapy, supports animals to live the best lives they can. Donna's shares her experiences of featuring on TV, the story behind her book 'The Best Goodbye' and her insights helping animals of all size.

Young people have been supported by Berkshire Youth since 1940. Listen to CEO Sarah Emery share which issues they're seeing amongst young people, the activities they put on and the difference they make.

With millions of views on TikTok, Ricky Smith's dance videos have gone viral. Performing spontaneous street dance routines in local clubs he wants to inspire joy and confidence in others. His videos can be found across social media under 'Cash Money Brothers'.

Nicole Bryan is a certified birth and postnatal doula supporting families in Berkshire. A doula provides emotional, physical and informational support to parents-to-be. Nicole shares her experience supporting mothers through the NHS, the trends she's seeing and what all expectant parents should keep in mind.

Social care is under pressure, and with the recent announcement that care companies will no longer be able to recruit from abroad, it's helpful to hear straight from the Director of a care company. Shahid Younis runs SureCare, a home care company, and talks about the opportunities and challenges for the future of care in the UK.

Woodley Business Club is open to all local business owners who want to collaborate, learn skills and find a supportive network. Membership is free and business owners are based nearby in Twyford, Earley and Bracknell, as well as Woodley. Debbie Winyard runs her hypnotherapy business in Earley and explains the difference she's seen Woodley Business Club make for its members.

Loneliness is a growing problem in society. The Link Visiting Scheme arranges volunteers to befriend older people and has been given the Queen's Award in recognition of their services. Marjie Walker was a nurse before she took over as CEO of the charity in 2007. She has grown it from a tiny charity to a medium sized charity and growing.

The Link Visiting Scheme

Sara Hughes is Co-Director of the Samaritans branch for Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead. She describes the calls that have stayed with her, what drove her to the role and the support volunteers get. Samaritans is there for people who simply need to talk to someone.

Zoe tells us about the issues and pressures facing LGBT people. Thames Valley Positive Support is based in Slough and supports those living with HIV. They run an award nominated podcast called The HIV Podcast. Zoe helps run the BeYou service which supports local LGBT people facing issues such as threat of homelessness from their families and domestic abuse.TVPS

Mick shares the history of Ukraine, how local people can help Ukrainians and the Centre's work to support refugees.

What is happening with the ownership at Reading FC? What are fans feeling? Will the potential new Football Regulator help? Matthew Batten, the Deputy Chairman of Supporters Trust at Reading, explains all.

Trustee, Miles Evans, runs through how we can balance our need for more housing and infrastructure with care for nature and the environment. If you're a YIMBY who cares about wildlife, this is a must listen.

ACT Foundation helps local food banks and the homeless in Wokingham and Reading. They have also travelled to Ukraine to deliver supplies to civilians. An international charity that seeks to help people and the environment, Moushumi Patankar leads its activity for Berkshire.

https://actfoundation.org/uk/

Molli talks about listening to residents about the proposed Loddon Garden Village housing development, engaging with hard to reach communities and how the University of Reading takes contributing to the surrounding community seriously.

Learning disabilities self-advocacy group, CLASP, is headed up by Debs Morrison. Listen to her insights on health, housing and employment and the ways to improve the life outcomes for those with learning disabilities.

CLASP Wokingham, a self-advocacy charity