Keywords

Oxfam, safeguarding, sexual exploitation, whistleblowing, autism, media coverage, aid sector, leadership, moral injury, charity

Takeaways

Helen Evans was the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam. She uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse within the organization. Despite her efforts, she faced resistance from senior management. The media coverage of Oxfam's issues came after the Me Too movement gained traction.

Helen experienced PTSD due to the stress of her role and the lack of support. There is a significant stigma attached to whistleblowers in the UK. Many survivors of abuse do not report due to fear of not being believed. Helen advocates for mandatory safeguarding measures in aid organizations.

She now works as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition.

https://cavernoma.org.uk/about/our-team/

Summary

In this conversation, Helen Evans shares her harrowing experience as the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam, where she uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse. Despite her efforts to address these issues, she faced significant resistance from senior management, leading her to take her concerns to the Charity Commission. Helen discusses the impact of her experiences on her mental health, including a diagnosis of PTSD, and reflects on the stigma surrounding whistleblowers. She advocates for improved safeguarding measures in the aid sector and emphasizes the need for a dedicated regulator to hold organizations accountable. Now serving as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition, Helen continues to champion the importance of ethical practices in aid work and the need for organizations to prioritize safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Sound bites

"This was a systemic issue."

"I had to relocate. I lost my home."

"I think there have been improvements."

Chapters

00:00 Uncovering the Truth at Oxfam

03:59 The Impact of Whistleblowing

06:53 The Role of Media and Public Awareness

09:48 Courage and the Personal Cost of Speaking Out

12:51 The Intersection of Autism and Advocacy

15:45 Challenges in the Aid Sector

18:51 Improving Safeguarding Practices

21:59 The Need for Accountability in Charities

24:42 Reflections on Leadership and Change

27:39 The Future of Safeguarding in Aid Work

30:36 Personal Healing and Moving Forward

44:38 Outro Oct 23 2.mp4

Keywords

Oxfam, safeguarding, sexual exploitation, whistleblowing, autism, media coverage, aid sector, leadership, moral injury, charity

Takeaways

Helen Evans was the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam. She uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse within the organization. Despite her efforts, she faced resistance from senior management. The media coverage of Oxfam's issues came after the Me Too movement gained traction.

Helen experienced PTSD due to the stress of her role and the lack of support. There is a significant stigma attached to whistleblowers in the UK. Many survivors of abuse do not report due to fear of not being believed. Helen advocates for mandatory safeguarding measures in aid organizations.

She now works as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition.

https://cavernoma.org.uk/about/our-team/

Summary

In this conversation, Helen Evans shares her harrowing experience as the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam, where she uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse. Despite her efforts to address these issues, she faced significant resistance from senior management, leading her to take her concerns to the Charity Commission. Helen discusses the impact of her experiences on her mental health, including a diagnosis of PTSD, and reflects on the stigma surrounding whistleblowers. She advocates for improved safeguarding measures in the aid sector and emphasizes the need for a dedicated regulator to hold organizations accountable. Now serving as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition, Helen continues to champion the importance of ethical practices in aid work and the need for organizations to prioritize safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Sound bites

"This was a systemic issue."

"I had to relocate. I lost my home."

"I think there have been improvements."

Chapters

00:00 Uncovering the Truth at Oxfam

03:59 The Impact of Whistleblowing

06:53 The Role of Media and Public Awareness

09:48 Courage and the Personal Cost of Speaking Out

12:51 The Intersection of Autism and Advocacy

15:45 Challenges in the Aid Sector

18:51 Improving Safeguarding Practices

21:59 The Need for Accountability in Charities

24:42 Reflections on Leadership and Change

27:39 The Future of Safeguarding in Aid Work

30:36 Personal Healing and Moving Forward

44:38 Outro Oct 23 2.mp4

Keywords

male circumcision, non-therapeutic circumcision, psychological impact, medical ethics, cultural practices, legal aspects, mental health, personal testimonies, advocacy, support services

Summary;

This conversation delves into the complex and often controversial topic of male circumcision, particularly focusing on non-therapeutic circumcision. The discussion features insights from Alejandro Sanchez of the National Secular Society and Leeanne Morris from the charity 15 Square, who explore the cultural, psychological, and physical implications of circumcision. They address the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the practice, share personal testimonies from affected individuals, and highlight the need for greater awareness and support for those impacted by circumcision. The conversation emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children's rights and the necessity for informed consent in medical practices.

https://15square.org.uk/

Takeaways

• Circumcision is often performed for cultural or religious reasons, but its necessity is debated.
• Non-therapeutic circumcision can lead to significant psychological trauma, including disenfranchised grief.
• Many men report feelings of loss and anger related to their circumcision experiences.
• The decision to circumcise should ideally be made by the individual when they are old enough to consent.
• There are serious physical risks associated with circumcision, including potential fatalities.
• Legal regulations around circumcision are lax, allowing untrained individuals to perform the procedure.
• The psychological impact of circumcision can manifest in various mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts.
• Support services for men affected by circumcision are crucial but often underfunded and under recognized.
• Cultural narratives often trivialize the impact of circumcision on men's lives, leading to stigma around discussing it.
• Greater awareness and education about circumcision's effects are needed in both medical and therapeutic communities.

Sound Bites

• "The welfare of the child must be the paramount concern."
• "Taking a scalpel to a baby's genitals causes damage."
• "We need to safeguard children and uphold their rights."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Male Circumcision Discussion

05:16Understanding the Reasons Behind Circumcision

09:21Psychological and Emotional Impact of Circumcision

17:48Legal and Ethical Considerations

22:10Physical Risks and Complications

26:24Cultural Perspectives and Societal Attitudes

31:04The Role of Mental Health Professionals

35:19Conclusion and Reflections on the Conversation

36:16Outro Oct 23 2.mp4

Keywords

male circumcision, non-therapeutic circumcision, psychological impact, medical ethics, cultural practices, legal aspects, mental health, personal testimonies, advocacy, support services

Summary;

This conversation delves into the complex and often controversial topic of male circumcision, particularly focusing on non-therapeutic circumcision. The discussion features insights from Alejandro Sanchez of the National Secular Society and Leeanne Morris from the charity 15 Square, who explore the cultural, psychological, and physical implications of circumcision. They address the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the practice, share personal testimonies from affected individuals, and highlight the need for greater awareness and support for those impacted by circumcision. The conversation emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children's rights and the necessity for informed consent in medical practices.

https://15square.org.uk/

Takeaways

• Circumcision is often performed for cultural or religious reasons, but its necessity is debated.
• Non-therapeutic circumcision can lead to significant psychological trauma, including disenfranchised grief.
• Many men report feelings of loss and anger related to their circumcision experiences.
• The decision to circumcise should ideally be made by the individual when they are old enough to consent.
• There are serious physical risks associated with circumcision, including potential fatalities.
• Legal regulations around circumcision are lax, allowing untrained individuals to perform the procedure.
• The psychological impact of circumcision can manifest in various mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts.
• Support services for men affected by circumcision are crucial but often underfunded and under recognized.
• Cultural narratives often trivialize the impact of circumcision on men's lives, leading to stigma around discussing it.
• Greater awareness and education about circumcision's effects are needed in both medical and therapeutic communities.

Sound Bites

• "The welfare of the child must be the paramount concern."
• "Taking a scalpel to a baby's genitals causes damage."
• "We need to safeguard children and uphold their rights."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Male Circumcision Discussion

05:16Understanding the Reasons Behind Circumcision

09:21Psychological and Emotional Impact of Circumcision

17:48Legal and Ethical Considerations

22:10Physical Risks and Complications

26:24Cultural Perspectives and Societal Attitudes

31:04The Role of Mental Health Professionals

35:19Conclusion and Reflections on the Conversation

36:16Outro Oct 23 2.mp4

In this episode, we meet with Bethany Roper, a doctoral researcher at the University of the West of Scotland, who explores dementia in forensic mental health settings. Bethany shares insights from her research and her experiences working at Broadmoor Hospital.

Keywords

Bethany Roper, dementia, forensic mental health, University of the West of Scotland, Broadmoor Hospital

Takeaways

Bethany Roper is a doctoral researcher at the University of the West of Scotland.

She explores dementia in forensic mental health settings.

Bethany has a background in investigative and forensic psychology.

She conducted research on honour-based abuse at the University of Liverpool.

Bethany previously worked at Broadmoor Hospital.

Her research focuses on mixed methods approaches.

Bethany shares insights from her experiences in forensic settings.

She discusses the challenges of researching dementia in these environments.

Bethany highlights the importance of understanding mental health in forensic contexts.

She emphasizes the need for more research in this field.

Sound bites

Bethany Roper is a doctoral researcher.

Exploring dementia in forensic settings.

Insights from Broadmoor Hospital.

Researching dementia challenges.

Understanding mental health in forensic contexts.

Bethany's journey in forensic psychology.

The importance of forensic mental health.

Bethany's experiences at Broadmoor.

Forensic psychology insights.

Dementia research in forensic settings.

Chapters

00:00:25 Introduction to Bethany Roper

00:00:29 Bethany's Academic Background

00:00:41 Research Focus and Insights

In this episode, we meet with Bethany Roper, a doctoral researcher at the University of the West of Scotland, who explores dementia in forensic mental health settings. Bethany shares insights from her research and her experiences working at Broadmoor Hospital.

Keywords

Bethany Roper, dementia, forensic mental health, University of the West of Scotland, Broadmoor Hospital

Takeaways

Bethany Roper is a doctoral researcher at the University of the West of Scotland.

She explores dementia in forensic mental health settings.

Bethany has a background in investigative and forensic psychology.

She conducted research on honour-based abuse at the University of Liverpool.

Bethany previously worked at Broadmoor Hospital.

Her research focuses on mixed methods approaches.

Bethany shares insights from her experiences in forensic settings.

She discusses the challenges of researching dementia in these environments.

Bethany highlights the importance of understanding mental health in forensic contexts.

She emphasizes the need for more research in this field.

Sound bites

Bethany Roper is a doctoral researcher.

Exploring dementia in forensic settings.

Insights from Broadmoor Hospital.

Researching dementia challenges.

Understanding mental health in forensic contexts.

Bethany's journey in forensic psychology.

The importance of forensic mental health.

Bethany's experiences at Broadmoor.

Forensic psychology insights.

Dementia research in forensic settings.

Chapters

00:00:25 Introduction to Bethany Roper

00:00:29 Bethany's Academic Background

00:00:41 Research Focus and Insights

Keywords

ADHD, grief, resilience, palliative care, near-death experience, personal growth, mental health, vulnerability, integrity, healing

Summary

In this conversation, Jay Morgan Hyrons shares her unique career journey, marked by personal loss and resilience. Her husband, Gary was killed in the |Falklands war. She discusses her experiences with ADHD, the impact of grief in her various roles, and how her near-death experiences shaped her understanding of vulnerability and strength. Jay emphasizes the importance of processing grief and the lessons learned from her struggles, including the pursuit of justice and the significance of kindness and integrity in overcoming adversity.

Takeaways

Jay's career path reflects her struggle with ADHD and boredom. Grief has been a constant theme in Jay's professional life. Her experiences in palliative care deepened her understanding of grief. Jay faced significant personal losses, including her husband's death. She emphasizes the importance of processing grief rather than suppressing it. Near-death experiences taught her about vulnerability and resilience. Jay's pursuit of justice after medical negligence was a pivotal moment. She believes kindness is integral to her identity. Her book, 'The Falklands Widow', offers insights into grief. Jay advocates for understanding grief in mental health contexts.

https://www.jaymorganhyrons.com/

https://falklands35blog.wordpress.com/about/

Sound bites

"I tick every box for that." "Boredom is your biggest enemy." "Grief's everywhere."

Chapters

00:00 A Journey Through Unconventional Career Paths 03:57 Understanding Grief: A Personal Perspective 07:34 Near-Death Experiences and Their Impact 15:41 Resilience Through Vulnerability 24:41 The Fight for Justice: A Personal Battle 33:36 Embracing Grief and Learning from Loss 37:19 Outro Oct 23 2.mp4

Keywords

ADHD, grief, resilience, palliative care, near-death experience, personal growth, mental health, vulnerability, integrity, healing

Summary

In this conversation, Jay Morgan Hyrons shares her unique career journey, marked by personal loss and resilience. Her husband, Gary was killed in the |Falklands war. She discusses her experiences with ADHD, the impact of grief in her various roles, and how her near-death experiences shaped her understanding of vulnerability and strength. Jay emphasizes the importance of processing grief and the lessons learned from her struggles, including the pursuit of justice and the significance of kindness and integrity in overcoming adversity.

Takeaways

Jay's career path reflects her struggle with ADHD and boredom. Grief has been a constant theme in Jay's professional life. Her experiences in palliative care deepened her understanding of grief. Jay faced significant personal losses, including her husband's death. She emphasizes the importance of processing grief rather than suppressing it. Near-death experiences taught her about vulnerability and resilience. Jay's pursuit of justice after medical negligence was a pivotal moment. She believes kindness is integral to her identity. Her book, 'The Falklands Widow', offers insights into grief. Jay advocates for understanding grief in mental health contexts.

https://www.jaymorganhyrons.com/

https://falklands35blog.wordpress.com/about/

Sound bites

"I tick every box for that." "Boredom is your biggest enemy." "Grief's everywhere."

Chapters

00:00 A Journey Through Unconventional Career Paths 03:57 Understanding Grief: A Personal Perspective 07:34 Near-Death Experiences and Their Impact 15:41 Resilience Through Vulnerability 24:41 The Fight for Justice: A Personal Battle 33:36 Embracing Grief and Learning from Loss 37:19 Outro Oct 23 2.mp4