Care Visions Talks

Care Visions
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Care Visions Talks Care Visions Talks is a podcast series that brings together voices from across care, education, health and community support to explore what it really means to care — and to be cared for. The series includes two strands: Care Visions Family Talk has two hosts: Dr Linda de Caestecker and Lucy Johnston. Dr Linda de Caestecker, former Director of Public Health and experienced paediatrician, leads warm, accessible conversations designed for parents, carers and families. Her episodes cover topics such as childhood trauma, fostering, resilience, separation and mental health, with expert guests offering practical guidance and compassionate insight. Lucy Johnston is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster with a long-standing commitment to social affairs, health, and children’s welfare. In her episodes, she shares powerful stories about young people in care and explores the systems that shape their lives. With a background in investigative reporting, Lucy began her career at The Big Issue before moving to The Observer and later The Sunday Express, where she is Health and Social Affairs Editor. Her work has exposed neglect in care homes, failures in mental health services, and injustices faced by vulnerable children and families. Care Visions Professional Talk is hosted by Humphrey Hawksley, award-winning author, broadcaster and former BBC foreign correspondent. These in-depth episodes are created for those working in or studying social care, health, education and related fields. Guests include thought leaders, researchers and practitioners discussing the emotional realities, challenges and evolving practices in work with children, young people and families. Whether you're a parent, a professional, or someone passionate about care and community, Care Visions Talks offers space to listen, reflect and learn.

  1. Care Visions: Family Talk - Children’s Minister On Foster Reform with Josh MacAlister OBE MP

    19H AGO

    Care Visions: Family Talk - Children’s Minister On Foster Reform with Josh MacAlister OBE MP

    In this powerful episode of Care Visions: Family Talk, host Lucy Johnston is joined by Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister for an in-depth conversation on the future of fostering reform in the UK. Drawing on his experience leading the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, the Minister sets out an ambitious vision to transform a system he says has become too focused on process rather than people. He speaks candidly about the urgent need to recruit 10,000 new foster carers and dismantle the bureaucratic barriers preventing loving families from stepping forward. From applicants being turned away for owning a chest freezer, to rigid rules around bedrooms, therapy histories, or working full-time, this episode explores how “box-ticking over belonging” has shaped fostering approvals — and why change is now essential. The conversation also tackles the stark realities behind the foster carer shortage: children being placed miles from home, separated from schools and communities, and too often moved into unregulated or unsuitable settings. With plans to speed up approvals, widen eligibility, improve support, and invest millions into the sector, this episode offers both a frank assessment of the challenges and a hopeful roadmap for reform. If you care about the future of fostering, children’s social care, and creating stable, loving homes, this is an essential listen.

    34 min
  2. Care Visions Professional Talk: What Are We Really Trying to Fix in Care? with Claire Cameron

    JAN 30

    Care Visions Professional Talk: What Are We Really Trying to Fix in Care? with Claire Cameron

    In this episode of Care Visions: Professional Talk, host Humphrey Hawksley is joined by Claire Cameron, the UK’s first Professor of Social Pedagogy, for a rich and reflective conversation about care, relationships, and professional practice. Claire is based at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, part of the UCL Social Research Institute at University College London. Her career spans residential care, frontline social work, research, and policy, giving her a uniquely grounded perspective on how care systems function and how they can do better. Together, Humphrey and Claire explore: What social pedagogy is and why it is increasingly relevant in today’s care landscape The role of relationships, ethics, and everyday practice in supporting children and families How care systems can move beyond procedures and compliance towards more human, relational approaches What practitioners, leaders, and organisations can learn from pedagogical thinking Drawing on her early career in residential care and social work, Claire reflects on how care has evolved over time, where it risks losing its relational core, and how social pedagogy offers a hopeful and practical framework for the future. This episode will be of particular interest to professionals working in care, social work, fostering, residential settings, education, and policy, as well as anyone interested in how we support people with dignity, compassion, and purpose.

    49 min
  3. Care Visions Familly Talk: Your Brain On Porn with Mary Sharpe

    JAN 16

    Care Visions Familly Talk: Your Brain On Porn with Mary Sharpe

    In this episode of Care Visions Family Talk, host Lucy Johnston is joined by Mary Sharpe, Chief Executive of The Reward Foundation, for an open and informative conversation about the impact of online pornography on young people’s brains, wellbeing, relationships, and development. Together they explore why children are being exposed at increasingly young ages, how the adolescent brain responds to highly stimulating online content, and what families, carers, and professionals can do to support young people with understanding rather than fear or judgement. The discussion draws on neuroscience, health research, and real-world experience, offering reassurance and practical insight for anyone navigating this sensitive topic. This episode is not about blame. It’s about awareness, compassion, and helping young people grow up informed, safe, and supported in a digital world. 🎧 Available now as part of Care Visions Talks on all major podcast platforms. Resources & Links Mentioned The Reward Foundation https://rewardfoundation.org Your Brain on Porn https://www.yourbrainonporn.com Reward Foundation – Parent’s Guide https://rewardfoundation.org/parents-guide/ Reward Foundation – Healthcare Professionals Course https://rewardfoundation.org/healthcare-professionals/ Reward Foundation – Schools & Lesson Plans https://rewardfoundation.org/schools/ Naked Truth Project https://nakedtruthproject.com NoFap https://www.nofap.com Stop It Now! https://www.stopitnow.org World Health Organization – ICD-11 https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/classification-of-diseases

    53 min
  4. Care Visions Family Talk: Helping Young People Navigate Pornography and Misogyny Online with Gael Cochrane

    12/08/2025

    Care Visions Family Talk: Helping Young People Navigate Pornography and Misogyny Online with Gael Cochrane

    In this episode of Family Talk, Linda de Caestecker is joined by Gael Cochrane, Learning, Development and Innovation Lead at Community Justice Scotland, to explore how pornography and the online “manosphere” are shaping the lives, attitudes and relationships of young people today. Drawing on the Many Good Men project and years of experience in sexual health, relationships education and justice social work, Gael explains: How early and often children are now exposed to pornographyThe links between porn, misogyny, the manosphere and influencers like Andrew TateHow violent and extreme content is becoming normalised in teenage relationshipsThe impact on self-esteem, body image, consent, intimacy and mental healthMost importantly, Linda and Gael talk about what parents, carers and grandparents can actually do: setting boundaries around devices, using parental controls, opening up honest conversations, supporting boys to express their emotions and helping young people recognise healthy relationships and respect. This is a frank but hopeful conversation, offering practical ideas to help adults support the children and young people they care about to stay safe, informed and connected.

    1h 6m
  5. Care Visions Family Talk - Poverty, Phones and the Future of Childhood with Mary Glasgow

    11/21/2025

    Care Visions Family Talk - Poverty, Phones and the Future of Childhood with Mary Glasgow

    Poverty, Phones and the Future of Childhood with host Lucy Johnston and guest Mary Glasgow In this compelling episode, host Lucy Johnston speaks with Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children 1st, about the urgent challenges shaping modern childhood in Scotland. Together they explore how poverty, the digital world, post-lockdown behaviours, family stress, and community strain are impacting children — and what adults can do to genuinely support them. Mary offers grounded, real-world insight into why children’s behaviour has shifted, why families feel more overwhelmed than ever, and how strong relationships, early intervention and community-based support can transform children’s futures. This conversation is a clear, compassionate look at what childhood needs now — and how we can build a Scotland where every child feels safe, connected and able to thrive. A must-listen for carers, parents, social workers, educators and anyone invested in the wellbeing of Scotland’s young people.

    1h 1m
  6. Care Visions Professional Talk - Nurturing Belonging to Enable Becoming: The Value of Social Pedagogy in Residential Child Care with Associate Professor Yvalia Febrer

    11/13/2025

    Care Visions Professional Talk - Nurturing Belonging to Enable Becoming: The Value of Social Pedagogy in Residential Child Care with Associate Professor Yvalia Febrer

    Host: Humphrey Hawksley Guests: Associate Professor Yvalia Febrer, Associate Professor of Social Work, Kingston University LondonDanny Henderson, Service Manager, Care VisionsEpisode Summary: How do we move beyond systems and structures to create spaces of belonging for young people in residential care? In this thoughtful discussion, Associate Professor Yvalia Febrer and Danny Henderson join Humphrey Hawksley to explore the human side of care — where relationships, trust, and reflection shape real outcomes. They discuss the roots of social pedagogy, its practical value for teams, and how it empowers both carers and young people to learn, grow, and flourish together. Listen to explore: Why belonging is the foundation for becomingThe balance between care and educationWhat reflective practice really looks like in a teamHow social pedagogy can shift organisational cultureA rich, reflective conversation that reminds us: care is not just what we do — it’s how we connect.

    1 hr
  7. Lost Boys: Why The Manosphere Is Seducing A Generation with Mark Brooks OBE

    10/31/2025

    Lost Boys: Why The Manosphere Is Seducing A Generation with Mark Brooks OBE

    Why are so many boys feeling angry, numb, lonely or adrift — and who’s rushing in to offer them answers? In this conversation, Lucy Johnston speaks with Mark Brooks OBE, chair of the Mankind Initiative and a leading voice on men’s wellbeing and healthy masculinity. Together they explore why some boys and young men are getting pulled towards misogynistic online influencers, and what parents, carers, schools and communities can actually do about it. We talk about: The “manosphere”: why some content hooks boys in, and why most boys don’t actually believe the worst of itLoneliness, shame and quiet sedation — boys disappearing into their bedrooms instead of acting outPornography, gambling and algorithms that keep pushing harmful contentSuicide risk in boys and young men, and why so many reach crisis before anyone realisesThe impact of school, role models and male identity (including why boys often feel judged before they’ve done anything wrong)How to talk to a teenage boy you’re worried about, without pushing him further awayWhy “toxic masculinity” is not helping, and what boys actually need instead: possibilities, pathways and people on their sideHow dads, foster carers and male carers can change a boy’s life simply by being present, hopeful and consistentKey message from Mark Brooks: if we don’t listen to boys, someone else will — and that “someone else” is already online, waiting. About our guest Mark Brooks OBE is chair of the Mankind Initiative and a long-standing campaigner on men’s mental health, inclusion and safety. He works nationally on issues including male suicide, domestic abuse, healthy masculinity and support for boys. About Family Talks Family Talks is a Care Visions series about what really helps children and young people to thrive. We speak honestly with people working on the front line of care, mental health, education and community. If you’re worried about a boy in your care Stay close, stay curious, not accusatoryKeep reminding him you’re on his sideHelp him get offline and back into real-world connection: sport, outdoors, purpose, belonging If you believe someone is at immediate risk of harm, seek urgent professional support.

    44 min
  8. Why Kids Are Struggling: A Wake-Up Call for Modern Childhood with Sue Palmer

    10/17/2025

    Why Kids Are Struggling: A Wake-Up Call for Modern Childhood with Sue Palmer

    Modern childhood is facing an unprecedented crisis — rising screen time, falling literacy, and overstimulated young minds. In this Family Talk Live event, Sue Palmer, author of Toxic Childhood and Upstart, joined Dr Linda de Caestecker to unpack what’s really going on for children today — and how we can bring back calm, play, and connection. Sue shared insights from decades of research into early development, explaining how rapid cultural and technological change has reshaped childhood. She traced the roots of problems such as anxiety, distraction, and poor self-regulation back to a “perfect storm” of technology, consumerism, and loss of community wisdom. Together, Sue and Linda explored: Why early childhood (ages 3–7) is the critical window for social, emotional, and physical developmentHow overstimulation and early academic pressure create a widening developmental — not just attainment — gapThe essential role of play and love in fostering resilience, empathy, and confidenceHow parents and carers can “build their village” and balance technology use at homePractical ideas for reclaiming childhood joy in a modern worldSue also spoke about her work with Upstart Scotland, advocating for a play-based “kindergarten stage” up to age seven, inspired by Nordic models of education. Her message was clear: to support children’s wellbeing, society must prioritise development over data — and rediscover the simple power of love and play.

    51 min
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About

Care Visions Talks Care Visions Talks is a podcast series that brings together voices from across care, education, health and community support to explore what it really means to care — and to be cared for. The series includes two strands: Care Visions Family Talk has two hosts: Dr Linda de Caestecker and Lucy Johnston. Dr Linda de Caestecker, former Director of Public Health and experienced paediatrician, leads warm, accessible conversations designed for parents, carers and families. Her episodes cover topics such as childhood trauma, fostering, resilience, separation and mental health, with expert guests offering practical guidance and compassionate insight. Lucy Johnston is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster with a long-standing commitment to social affairs, health, and children’s welfare. In her episodes, she shares powerful stories about young people in care and explores the systems that shape their lives. With a background in investigative reporting, Lucy began her career at The Big Issue before moving to The Observer and later The Sunday Express, where she is Health and Social Affairs Editor. Her work has exposed neglect in care homes, failures in mental health services, and injustices faced by vulnerable children and families. Care Visions Professional Talk is hosted by Humphrey Hawksley, award-winning author, broadcaster and former BBC foreign correspondent. These in-depth episodes are created for those working in or studying social care, health, education and related fields. Guests include thought leaders, researchers and practitioners discussing the emotional realities, challenges and evolving practices in work with children, young people and families. Whether you're a parent, a professional, or someone passionate about care and community, Care Visions Talks offers space to listen, reflect and learn.

Information

  • Creator
    Care Visions
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Care Visions Talks
  • Show Website
    Care Visions Talks