The Black Country Blokes

In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Jack Vaughan, a passionate advocate and former team member of More Mascots Please C.I.C. Jack shares his moving story about his younger brother Louie, who lives with both autism and ADHD, and how those experiences inspired his journey into community work and inclusion.We discuss:What it’s like growing up with a sibling who is neurodivergentThe realities of autism and ADHD — beyond the labelsHow Jack’s community involvement helped shape local supportThe importance of empathy, patience, and understandingThis episode is a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is a family, and behind every challenge is a story of strength.🎙️ Tune in and be part of the conversation that truly matters.Real talk. Real life. Real people.

This week on The Black Country Blokes, we sit down with Sam ‘Savage’ Eggington — one of the Black Country’s toughest and most respected boxers. Known for his all-action style and relentless determination, Sam has held British, Commonwealth, European, and WBA International titles during his career.In this honest and hard-hitting conversation, Sam talks about:Life inside and outside the ringCoping with loss and bouncing backMental health in the world of professional sportThe importance of having the right people in your corner — in boxing and in life🎙️ Another powerful conversation about real life, real struggles, and real strength.Real blokes. Real talk.

In tonight’s powerful episode of The Black Country Blokes, we’re joined by two outstanding guests changing lives from the inside out.Gav, a dedicated physiotherapist, shares how he goes beyond muscles and joints—addressing the mental health of his patients to achieve deeper healing and lasting outcomes. From boxing gyms to bodywork, Gav reminds us that physical pain often has emotional roots.Pras, a former forensic mental health practitioner who’s worked with men in prisons, now teaches others how to approach mental health with empathy, understanding, and evidence-based practice. His journey from the prison system to the classroom is filled with lessons on vulnerability, safe spaces, and the link between psychology and crime.💬 This is an honest, uplifting, and deeply human episode that shows the strength in vulnerability and the power of truly seeing people.🎬 Episode Highlights:🎯 Pain, Depression & the Mind-Body Link🥊 Boxing Gyms: More Than Just Sport🧠 Positive Thinking & Brain Training🏥 Empathy in Healthcare: More Than Medicine🔐 Forensic Mental Health: Where Psychology Meets Crime🛡️ Community & Safe Spaces Matter💬 The Strength in Vulnerability#TheBlackCountryBlokes #MentalHealthMatters #MensMentalHealth #PhysiotherapyAndMind #ForensicPsychology #HealingThroughEmpathy #SafeSpaces #StrengthInVulnerability #BoxingForMentalHealth #MindBodyConnection #BeyondTheSurface

In this heartfelt episode of The Black Country Blokes, we’re joined by 17-year-old Jamie and Kirsty from Roots, a youth support organisation that changes lives by creating safe spaces and real community.Jamie opens up about his personal journey living with ADHD—from challenges at school to finding his passion in music. He shares what it’s like navigating the world when your brain works differently and how understanding, structure, and creativity have made all the difference.Kirsty talks about her role at Roots, where she first met Jamie, and how youth clubs like theirs are crucial for helping young people thrive, especially when they’re neurodiverse or struggling with mental health.🎧 This episode is raw, honest, and full of hope.#TheBlackCountryBlokes #ADHDAwareness #NeurodiversityMatters #RootsYouthClub #YouthSupport #TeenMentalHealth #MusicAndMentalHealth #BlackCountryVoices #ADHDJourney #BreakingTheStigma #ListenToYoungPeople

In this heartfelt episode of The Black Country Blokes, we shine a spotlight on Dravet Syndrome, a rare and life-threatening form of epilepsy that affects children from infancy. Host Lee Cadman opens up about his personal motivation to take on the Every Day in May Challenge—a daily commitment to raise money and awareness for Dravet Syndrome UK, inspired by the incredible journey of a young warrior: Calla-Rose.Lee shares why this cause is so close to his heart, what the challenge involves, and how you can get involved to help make a real difference. Whether you're a parent, carer, advocate, or just someone who wants to help, this episode will inspire you to take action and support families living with the daily realities of rare diseases.🧠 Let’s raise awareness. Let’s raise hope. Let’s raise funds.🌟 Support the Cause | Every Day in May Challenge for Dravet Syndrome UKI'm raising money this May for Dravet Syndrome UK in honour of Calla-Rose. Join me in making a difference:👉 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lee-cadman-1📅 About the challenge: https://www.dravet.org.uk/event/every-day-in-may-for-dravet-2025💜 Follow Calla-Rose’s journey: https://www.facebook.com/courageouscalla/about/?locale=en_GB#TheBlackCountryBlokes #DravetSyndrome #EveryDayInMay #CourageousCalla #DravetSyndromeUK #RareDiseaseAwareness #CallaRose #MensMentalHealth #DoItForCalla #SupportRareDiseases #HopeInAction #FundraiserChallenge #MakeADifference

In this moving episode of The Black Country Blokes, we welcome Christine George, founder of Woodside Crafts, to share the inspiring journey behind a Dudley-based mental health project that began with a single wooden book—and grew into a lifeline for so many.Christine shares how a small idea, born out of a therapeutic group session at the former Woodside Day Centre, became a charity enterprise that gives people dealing with mental health challenges a chance to rebuild confidence, learn new skills, and feel a sense of belonging.From humble beginnings to stalls at markets, festivals, and even bingo halls, Woodside Crafts continues to break stigma and build community—now from their brand-new home in Cinder Bank, Netherton.🎧 Listen in as we talk about resilience, creativity, and how crafts can become a path to healing.🌟 Support the Cause | Every Day in May Challenge for Dravet Syndrome UKI'm raising money this May for Dravet Syndrome UK in honour of Calla-Rose. Join me in making a difference!👉 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lee-cadman-1📅 About the challenge: https://www.dravet.org.uk/event/every-day-in-may-for-dravet-2025💜 Follow Calla-Rose’s journey: https://www.facebook.com/courageouscalla/about/?locale=en_GB🛠️ Learn more about Woodside Crafts:🔗 Woodside Crafts Facebook📍 Visit them at Cinder Bank, Netherton🙌 Support by visiting the shop, donating, volunteering, or spreading the word#TheBlackCountryBlokes #WoodsideCrafts #MentalHealthRecovery #CraftingHope #DudleyCharity #CreativityForWellbeing #SupportLocal #BlackCountryPride #MensMentalHealth #BreakingTheStigma #FromStruggleToStrength #DravetSyndromeUK #EveryDayInMay #CallaRose #FundraiserForHope #RareDiseaseAwareness

In this powerful episode of The Black Country Blokes, we sit down with Rob Shipley and David Stocks to talk openly about suicide prevention, the work of the Suicide Alliance, and the life-saving impact of having a Suicide Safety Plan.Together, we unpack real stories, practical tools, and why it’s so vital to speak up, not bottle it up. Whether you're supporting someone or struggling yourself, this episode is a must-listen.🧠 Resources mentioned in the episode:📄 Suicide Safety Plan (PDF): https://stayingsafe.net/sites/default/files/BlankSafetyPlan.pdf🎓 Free ZSA Suicide Awareness Training: https://zsa.frank-cdn.uk/scorm/full-training-v2/story.html📸 “Our Story in Pictures” Photobook: https://www.photobox.co.uk/view-online-photo-book?widgetId=0c6fa2df-7904-4a7d-b832-edd137630b09&securityId=04cbd64c-5bd4-431e-b9b8-10a6387dc44f💬 It’s okay to not be okay. Let’s keep talking.#TheBlackCountryBlokes #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #SuicideAwareness #StaySafePlan #MensMentalHealth #ZSA #EndTheStigma #ItsOkayToTalk #HopeHelps

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, Lee and Kev talk to Matthew Potter, a Registered Mental Health Nurse, MANTRA Therapist, and founder of Reclaiming Wellbeing C.I.C.. Matthew shares his journey, insights into mental health care, and his mission to provide accessible wellbeing workshops, 1:1 counselling, and corporate mental health support.We explore topics such as: ✅ The importance of accessible mental health support ✅ The impact of stigma on mental health recoveryJoin us for an honest, eye-opening discussion on mental health, wellbeing, and making support accessible to all.🔗 Learn more about Reclaiming Wellbeing: https://www.reclaimingwellbeing.co.uk/🎧 Available on YouTube, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn#MentalHealth #Podcast #EatingDisorders #Wellbeing #ReclaimingWellbeing #TheBlackCountryBlokes #Counselling #Mindset #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakingTheStigma