1d ago

The Addiction You Can Hide In Plain Sight

Send us Fan Mail Gambling harm can look like nothing more than “a flutter” right up until it has swallowed someone’s work, relationships, confidence and mental health. I’m joined by Matt Smith, Director of External Affairs at Betknowmore UK, who speaks with rare honesty about his own recovery and why gambling addiction is so easy to hide even from yourself. We get into what harm actually means in day-to-day life: the shame that drives isolation, the cognitive dissonance that makes everything feel manageable when it is not, and the gaps that can appear when professionals do not yet have the right awareness or pathways. Matt also explains why gambling harm affects people from every background, and why “affected others” such as parents, partners and friends often carry serious distress in silence too. Matt breaks down how Betknowmore UK approaches gambling harms support as a public health issue, working with local authorities, NHS England and Public Health Scotland, and building community-based services that meet people where they already are. We talk prevention through accredited training, peer support through Peer Aid, women-only support via New Beginnings, and outreach like Goals that brings brief interventions into everyday community settings. We also explore the practical realities that sit underneath recovery, including debt, money taboo, and housing stability as a foundation for rebuilding life. If you find this conversation useful, please subscribe, share the episode with someone who might need it, and leave a review so more people can find practical, stigma-free gambling harm support and recovery stories. Contact Betknowmore UK: https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betknowmore-uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betknowmoreuk/ Welcome to Make Impact Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and solutions that drive real change. I'm Heidi Fisher and I work with organisations on a mission to tackle poverty, reduce health inequalities, and create lasting social impact. In each episode, I bring you inspiring conversations with change makers, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are making a difference. Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Make an Impact podcast. I hope you found today's conversation as inspiring and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to create positive change. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and learn more about my work at Makeanimpactcic.co.uk. Until next time, let's keep making an impact in the world. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Jul 16

Creative Therapy As Mental Health Prevention

Send us Fan Mail We keep asking why anxiety is rising, why school feels harder, and why so many people hit crisis before they get help. Then Natasha drops a simple idea that changes the lens: as we cut play and creativity out of children’s lives, we should not be surprised by the mental health fallout. Natasha is Head of Therapy and Wellbeing at Mind Apart and a HCPC registered drama therapist, and she explains how creative therapy works in the real world, not as a “nice extra”, but as an accessible route into safety, trust, and change. We talk about what creative therapy actually looks like, from using metaphor in a parent support session to using music, movement, art, and drama to help someone express what words cannot hold. Natasha shares why these approaches can be especially powerful for neurodivergent people, people with English as a second language, and anyone who has tried traditional talking therapy without success. We also explore the trauma-informed side of the work: the chance to revisit a story, rewrite an ending, add missing support, and rebuild a sense of agency without forcing disclosure before someone is ready. The conversation goes wider too, into education pressure, the long tail of post-pandemic grief and disconnection, and the practical reality of delivering community mental health support while NHS waiting lists stretch into years. Natasha breaks down the funding and contracting pain points that make “neighbourhood health services” hard to deliver, even when outcomes are strong and demand is obvious. If you want a grounded, hopeful look at creative therapy, prevention, and what mental health support could be when we value emotional wellbeing, hit play. Subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who cares about change. Connect with A Mind Apart: https://amindapart.org.uk/ Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Jul 10

Dance That Keeps You Young

Send us Fan Mail Dance can feel like a simple pleasure, but what if it is also one of the most underused tools we have for healthy ageing? I’m joined by Faye O’Connor, a registered dance movement psychotherapist and the founder of Xpress Yourself Dance CIC, to unpack what really happens when older adults move together and why it matters for prevention, connection, and quality of life. We get into the practical health benefits of dance classes for over 60s: balance and coordination work that supports mobility, routines that deliberately change to push learning and stimulate the brain, and a realistic view of falls prevention where reaction and dexterity can make the difference. We also talk about pain, arthritis, and the fear of movement, and why the right kind of supportive, welcoming session can help people feel safer in their bodies again. Some of the most powerful moments are about dementia care. Faye shares how movement can become a real conversation when words are no longer available, and how music can hold emotion and unlock memory, even if only briefly. We also explore neighbourhood health, the promise of social prescribing, and what it looks like when community organisations spot local needs early and build services that people actually want. If you care about preventative healthcare, dementia support, community wellbeing, or social impact, this one is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs a nudge to move, and leave a review so more people can find the podcast. Contact Xpress Yourself: Website: https://www.xpress-yourself.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/Xpre55Your5elf/ https://www.youtube.com/@XpressYourselfKD Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Mar 25

Scale With Purpose

Send us Fan Mail Scaling a social enterprise can feel like the only way to prove you are “serious”, but that pressure can quietly push brilliant organisations into growth they are not ready for. I’m joined by Clodagh O’Reilly, an Irish social enterprise practitioner turned researcher, to unpack what scaling really involves and why slowing down can be the most strategic move you make. We get into the reality behind the headline numbers: the messy middle where your mission, your income model, your capacity, and your leadership all collide. Clodagh shares what she learned from years of practice and her PhD research into social enterprise scaling, including the questions too many teams skip while they rush into staffing, operations, and financing. We talk about proving your concept, pulling your model apart to find the critical success factors, and avoiding the trap of “scaling on shaky ground”. We also challenge the idea that every organisation must expand sites or turnover, exploring alternative scaling pathways such as sharing your model, influencing policy, changing behaviours, partnering well, and even considering mergers where it strengthens long-term impact. We also zoom out to the social enterprise ecosystem in Ireland: what is improving, where support is still thin for later-stage growth, and how social procurement and public sector tenders are evolving. You’ll hear why consortium bids are becoming more common, what readiness really looks like for public contracts, and how EU funding could play a bigger role. If you care about social impact, impact measurement, sustainable growth, and practical strategy for mission-led organisations, you’ll leave with clearer thinking and sharper questions. Subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with someone building social change, then tell us what smart scaling looks like in your work. Find out more about Clodagh's work at: https://www.socialenterprisesolutions.ie/ Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

09/19/2025

Unlocking the Power of the Social Economy in West Midlands

Send us Fan Mail Charles Rapson takes us on a fascinating journey through his accidental discovery of social enterprise and his current mission as Social Economy Growth Lead at West Midlands Combined Authority. With refreshing candour, he shares how he's leveraging his position to champion a sector that employs over 100,000 people and engages 200,000+ volunteers across the West Midlands. The conversation reveals how Charles has successfully shifted perceptions of the social economy within regional government, securing £2.5 million in funding and ensuring social enterprises feature prominently in strategic planning. His innovative place-based approach is rebuilding vital infrastructure by supporting nine organisations to become community hubs where relationships, trust, and partnerships can flourish. We dive deep into the challenges of social value procurement, with Charles articulating a compelling vision for moving beyond tick-box exercises to measuring real impact. His practical strategies - breaking down large contracts into manageable lots, making social value contractual and measurable, recognising intrinsic value alongside additional value - offer a blueprint for procurement that genuinely supports inclusive growth. Looking ahead, Charles outlines his comprehensive ecosystem approach to growing the social economy, encompassing everything from business support and access to finance to education initiatives modelled on Scotland's successful Social Enterprise Academy. His determination to map and understand the region's 9,314 social economy organisations demonstrates a data-driven approach to strategic investment. Whether you're a social entrepreneur seeking opportunities, a public sector professional interested in procurement innovation, or simply curious about how regional economies can become more inclusive, this conversation offers valuable insights into transforming systems from within. Visit the West Midlands Combined Authority website and join their Social Economy Forums to learn more and help shape the future of social enterprise in your region. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

09/15/2025

Free Accommodation Meets Companionship: The Win-Win Solution for Housing and Loneliness

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a spare bedroom becomes the solution to both loneliness and housing affordability? Lucie Cunningham reveals the life-changing power of intergenerational home sharing in this thought-provoking conversation. After witnessing elderly clients spending 21 hours alone each day in her home care work, Lucie founded THE HomeShare, a social enterprise that matches older homeowners with younger people seeking affordable accommodation. The concept creates a beautifully balanced relationship where elderly participants offer free housing while receiving companionship and practical support in return. "They become buddies, they become friends," Lucie explains, "and they both appreciate each other because they both need each other." The impact is extraordinary. Eighty-three percent of elderly participants, whose average age is 87, report a greater sense of purpose. Hospital admissions drop by 42%, and falls decrease by 50%. One 103-year-old participant proclaimed that instead of "sitting in a nursing home waiting to die," she was enabling a young person to attend university. Meanwhile, younger participants gain affordable housing, with half eventually saving enough to purchase their own homes. Beyond these direct benefits, home sharing creates ripple effects throughout communities. Family members visit "because they want to, not because they have to." Neighbours feel reassured. Healthcare systems experience reduced demand. The arrangement preserves dignity and independence while maximizing underutilized housing stock. Despite proven success and a potential €1.53 return on investment for every euro spent, home sharing still struggles for governmental recognition. Lucie attributes this to fear of the unfamiliar, though THE HomeShare's robust safeguarding processes have prevented any significant issues across hundreds of matches. Connect with Lucie via thehomeshare.ie or explore global options through homeshareinternational.org. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

07/07/2025

Social Value vs. Social Impact: Moving Beyond Box-Ticking

Send us Fan Mail Are companies genuinely committed to creating social impact, or is it all just elaborate PR? In this thought-provoking conversation with Jimmy Cockerton, CEO of Impact Advantage, we cut through the noise surrounding social value measurement to reveal what's really happening beneath the surface. While headlines might suggest companies are retreating from ESG commitments, Jimmy observes the opposite trend behind closed doors - more organisations are recognising how delivering impact connects directly to business success. Yet this enthusiasm often fails to translate into meaningful change. We explore what separates authentic impact-led organisations from those merely seeking positive publicity through one-off community initiatives. The discussion tackles the fundamental flaws in current social value measurement frameworks that encourage box-ticking rather than addressing root causes of social challenges. Through practical examples like employment metrics, we demonstrate how companies can claim substantial "social value" without creating any new impact whatsoever. Of the billions reportedly generated in social value through public procurement, Jimmy provocatively suggests only a tiny fraction represents genuine new value for communities. We also examine the untapped potential of cross-sector collaboration by leveraging what each does best - businesses excel at making money and innovation, while social enterprises better understand communities and delivering impact. However, political short-termism presents a significant barrier to solving complex social issues that require decades of sustained effort rather than quick fixes aligned to electoral cycles. The evidence increasingly shows that businesses prioritising social impact alongside financial returns tend to outperform their peers financially - a compelling case for integrating impact into core strategy rather than treating it as a peripheral activity. Whether you're in business, government, or the social sector, this episode offers critical insights for anyone seeking to move beyond performative metrics toward creating genuine, lasting change. Connect with Jimmy on LinkedIn or visit www.impactadvantage.co.uk to learn more about measuring real social impact that transforms communities and businesses alike. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

07/02/2025

The Hidden Impact of UK Social Value Reform: What You Need to Know

Send us Fan Mail Your voice matters. Right now, significant changes to UK social value requirements are under consultation, and the proposals could fundamentally reshape how social value is delivered through public contracts. The proposed changes create a concerning two-tier system. For contracts over £5 million, social value would become mandatory with a 10% weighting focused primarily on jobs and skills. Meanwhile, smaller contracts would revert to commissioners merely "considering" social value - potentially eliminating requirements entirely for thousands of contracts. This division disadvantages the VCSE sector while benefiting large corporations who can deliver at scale. Mandatory reporting of social value KPIs sounds promising, but again only applies to high-value contracts. The push toward standardised metrics creates a troubling tick-box approach that narrows the scope of social value primarily to employability outcomes. These standardised numerical values further advantage large businesses who can promise greater volume, regardless of whether those interventions genuinely address community needs. The location flexibility proposals aim to distribute social value more widely but may simply reshuffle where benefits are concentrated rather than ensuring equitable distribution. One potential bright spot exists in proposed changes to vulnerable citizens classifications, which could allow more quality-focused commissioning for social care services. The consultation risks further gamifying an already flawed system, where impressive numbers trump meaningful impact. If you care about genuine community benefit and creating a level playing field for smaller organisations, now is the time to speak up. Review the consultation, submit your feedback, and help shape a social value framework that works for everyone - not just those with the deepest pockets. You can find the consultation here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/public-procurement-growing-british-industry-jobs-and-skills-consultation-on-further-reforms-to-public-procurement Welcome to Make Impact Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and solutions that drive real change. I'm Heidi Fisher and I work with organisations on a mission to tackle poverty, reduce health inequalities, and create lasting social impact. In each episode, I bring you inspiring conversations with change makers, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are making a difference. Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Make an Impact podcast. I hope you found today's conversation as inspiring and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to create positive change. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and learn more about my work at Makeanimpactcic.co.uk. Until next time, let's keep making an impact in the world. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Make An Impact Podcast

The Addiction You Can Hide In Plain Sight

Creative Therapy As Mental Health Prevention

Dance That Keeps You Young

Scale With Purpose

Unlocking the Power of the Social Economy in West Midlands

Free Accommodation Meets Companionship: The Win-Win Solution for Housing and Loneliness

Social Value vs. Social Impact: Moving Beyond Box-Ticking

The Hidden Impact of UK Social Value Reform: What You Need to Know

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Make An Impact Podcast

Episodes

The Addiction You Can Hide In Plain Sight

Creative Therapy As Mental Health Prevention

Dance That Keeps You Young

Scale With Purpose

Unlocking the Power of the Social Economy in West Midlands

Free Accommodation Meets Companionship: The Win-Win Solution for Housing and Loneliness

Social Value vs. Social Impact: Moving Beyond Box-Ticking

The Hidden Impact of UK Social Value Reform: What You Need to Know

About

Information