Shift

Collective Discovery
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Non-Profit
  • Complete Series

Curious, bold and challenging, this podcast from Collective Discovery explores how shifts in relationships, power & resources can make the world a better place. With insightful guests, we ask how larger systems that we are part of need to shift to address our collective challenges. In our second series we speak with changemakers working at every level—from the grassroots to global movements. These conversations are honest, inspiring and full of insight—exploring what drives changemakers, the obstacles they navigate, and what keeps them going. Our first series, informed and inspired by our work with The Listening Fund, explores how youth organisations and funders can better listen to young people. You can find show notes at https://www.collectivediscovery.co.uk/shift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Episode 1

    Series 2, Ep. 1: Introducing the Changemakers Series

    Jenny Ross and Mercy Shibemba introduce our second series, which explores the role of changemakers—people working at every level of the system, from grassroots community action to global movements. What connects them is a commitment to shifting power, building connection, and responding practically and hopefully to the challenges the world is facing. These conversations are honest, inspiring and full of insight—exploring what drives changemakers, the obstacles they navigate, and what keeps them going. You can find full show notes at collectivediscovery.co.uk/shift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Episode 2

    Series 2, Ep. 2: Jo Baldwin, Oasis Domestic Abuse Service

    Domestic abuse can affect anyone, and its impact on children and families can be profound. In this very moving episode, Jenny Ross speaks with Jo Baldwin from the Oasis Domestic Abuse Service in Thanet, who works with children and young people affected by abuse. We hear about the heroic efforts of mothers caring for their children while navigating abuse, the courage of young people finding their voice, and the life-changing support Oasis provides—from therapeutic recovery to creating a sense of belonging. Jo also reflects on the systemic challenges families face, and the hope, resilience, and connection that can help them heal. Please note, this episode includes discussion of domestic abuse. If you are in Kent or Medway and need support, you can contact the Oasis Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 917 9948. Or call the 24 hour National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Episode 3

    Series 2, Ep. 3: Sian Stevenson, Moving Memory Dance Theatre Company

    Through guerrilla dance performances on beaches, high streets, shopping centres, and public spaces, groups of older women are taking dance out into the world—playfully and powerfully disrupting assumptions and inviting audiences to see ageing differently. In this joyous and inspiring episode, Jenny Ross from Collective Discovery speaks with Sian Stevenson, Creative Director of Moving Memory Dance Theatre Company, about a very different story of ageing—one of creativity, connection, power, and joy. We explore how movement and performance can build confidence, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the strength and resilience of older women. For more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Episode 4

    Series 2, Ep. 4: Vanessa Wood, Age UK Thanet

    Many older people are isolated and overlooked, and live in conditions that are hard to imagine—sometimes without heating, proper food, or basic household necessities. In this powerful episode, Jenny Ross speaks with Vanessa Wood, CEO of Age UK Thanet, whose team works tirelessly to connect older people to their communities, counter loneliness, and support wellbeing. We hear about the eye-opening challenges older people face, the dedication of Vanessa and her colleagues, and the hope and resilience that comes from meaningful connection and care. This conversation is both moving and inspiring, showing how committed changemakers running targeted interventions can completely transform people's lives. For more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Episode 5

    Series 2, Ep. 5: Victoria Suchak, Pavilion Youth and Community Cafe

    After school, the door opens and children tumble in—dropping their bags, grabbing toast, and filling the room with chatter about their day. They let off steam, feel safe, and simply be themselves, with space to play freely. At the Pavilion Youth and Community Café in Broadstairs, these small, everyday moments help confidence grow, friendships form, and vital life skills take shape. In this episode, Jenny Ross visits founder Victoria Suchak, who has created a place many describe as feeling like home, in what was previously a dilapidated and abandoned old cricket pavilion in a public park. Victoria shares how the youth club began, what it takes to sustain it, and why spaces where young people feel known and valued matter so much. Her story is a reminder that meaningful change often happens through quiet determination and a deep understanding of what people need. For more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Episode 6

    Series 2, Ep. 6: Emma Cooney, Kent Coast Volunteering

    Through services like befriending and volunteer transport, volunteers are helping people stay connected, rebuild confidence, and live more independently—often making a life-changing difference in quiet, unseen ways. In this thoughtful and inspiring episode, Jenny Ross from Collective Discovery speaks with Emma Cooney, Charity Manager at Kent Coast Volunteering, about the power of volunteering to strengthen communities and transform lives. We explore how giving time and skills can benefit both individuals and communities—how Kent Coast Volunteering has innovated to reach people in new ways—and why more sustainable funding is essential to support this vital work. For programme notes and more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Episode 7

    Series 2, Ep. 7: Nikki Hildesley, Discovery Planet

    A young boy spends three hours peering through a microscope at spider skins, completely absorbed by what he is seeing. Later, he brings his mum back so he can show her everything he has learned, despite her fear of spiders. Discovery Planet, a community interest company based in Ramsgate, creates exciting, pop-up science events in everyday public spaces, bringing scientists face to face with young learners. Jenny Ross speaks with Nicky Hildesley, one of Discovery Planet's founders. Nicky shares how a temporary pop-up planetarium in a disused theatre grew into an award-winning organisation that helps people discover new interests, build confidence and see new possibilities for themselves. This is a joyful, inspiring conversation about the transformative impact of giving people opportunities to explore and discover. For programme notes and more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Episode 8

    Series 2, Ep. 8: Sara Hutchinson, Beyond the Page

    Women arriving in the UK can face language barriers and isolation — but community spaces can make a huge difference. In this episode, Jenny Ross speaks with Sara Hutchinson, CEO of Beyond the Page, an English language teaching and community arts organisation based in Thanet, Kent.  Sara talks about the organisation’s United Mothers project, which supports women through informal ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) groups. Together they discuss the power of women-only spaces, the friendships and solidarity that emerge through shared experience, and the many challenges the women face.  Sara also reflects on social justice, community belonging, and why migrant women are so often misunderstood. This is thoughtful and hopeful conversation about resilience, identity, care and the importance of creating spaces where people feel that they belong. For programme notes and more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  9. Episode 9

    Series 2, Ep. 9: Joey Mander, Coventry Youth Activists

    Jenny Ross speaks with Joey Mander from Coventry Youth Activists (CYA), a group of young disabled people campaigning to break down barriers, challenge discrimination and create change in their communities. Joey shares how CYA supports young people to become campaigners, leaders and advocates, while also creating a space of friendship, belonging and mutual support. He reflects on the power of collective action, the importance of joy and creativity in activism, and why disabled people must be at the centre of decisions that affect their lives. Together they discuss online hate speech, disability rights, confidence and the everyday assumptions that continue to limit opportunities for disabled people. This is an inspiring, thoughtful and often joyful conversation about community, courage and the power of young people coming together to create change. For programme notes and more on Collective Discovery, see our website or LinkedIn. We welcome feedback at collective@collectivediscovery.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. Episode 10

    Series 2, Ep.10: Dr Catherine Hewitt, Founder of Maple Access Practice

    What happens when a GP decides that the people most often excluded from healthcare deserve a service designed around their needs? In this episode, Jenny Ross speaks with Dr Catherine Hewitt, founder of Maple Access Practice in Northampton—a pioneering surgery created for people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs, asylum seekers, street workers, and members of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Catherine reflects on building a practice from the ground up, the importance of understanding trauma rather than judging behaviour, and what she learned from working alongside patients whose lives were shaped by exclusion, poverty and stigma. Above all, this is a conversation about compassion, dignity and seeing the person behind the label. It also carries a wider message: that the stigma attached to some of the most marginalised people in our society is neither inevitable nor acceptable, and that Catherine's approach points to a better, more humane society. Edited by Brendan O'Donnell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  11. Episode 11

    Series 2, Ep. 11: Farah Nazeer, Women's Aid

    Three quarters of women and children seeking refuge from domestic abuse are currently turned away because there simply aren't enough places for them to go. Behind every statistic is a woman trying to find safety, a child trying to rebuild their life, support services doing everything they can with limited resources. In this episode, Jenny Ross speaks with Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women's Aid, the national charity working to end domestic abuse and support a network of more than 200 life-saving organisations across England. Farah reflects on the progress made over the past fifty years of the women's movement, the challenges survivors continue to face in accessing support, and the importance of changing not only services but the systems and cultures that allow abuse to continue. Together they discuss family courts, prevention, public attitudes, policy change and why ending violence against women and girls requires all of us to play a part. This is a thoughtful, powerful and hopeful conversation about justice, leadership and creating a society where women and children can live free from abuse. Find out more about Women's Aid: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/ Series 2 Editor: Brendan O'Donnell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  12. Episode 12

    Series 2, Ep. 12: Emma Naylor-Ngugi, Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals

    Dogs under desks and a baby donkey causing havoc in the office might not be the first things that come to mind when you think about animal welfare — but they’re part of everyday life at the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA). In this episode, Jenny Ross speaks with Emma Naylor-Ngugi about the joys, challenges and importance of protecting animals in Kenya. The KSPCA works at the intersection of animal welfare and human wellbeing, recognising just how closely the two are connected. Emma shares the realities of working in communities where people depend on animals for their livelihoods, and the challenges of providing veterinary care where resources are limited. She discusses the organisation’s work tackling animal cruelty, illegal slaughter and animal trafficking, as well as its efforts to work alongside communities to create better outcomes for both animals and people. The conversation also explores Emma’s own journey from senior leadership in international development to animal welfare, the challenges and rewards of growing a small organisation, and what sustains her through some extraordinarily difficult work. Her story offers an inspiring reflection on finding work that feels meaningful and authentic, even when the challenges are immense. A thoughtful and uplifting conversation about compassion, community and sustainability — and why caring for animals is so often inseparable from caring for people. Find out more about the KSPCA here: https://kspca.or.ke/ Series 2 editor: Brendan O'Donnell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See All Season 2 (12)

About

Curious, bold and challenging, this podcast from Collective Discovery explores how shifts in relationships, power & resources can make the world a better place. With insightful guests, we ask how larger systems that we are part of need to shift to address our collective challenges. In our second series we speak with changemakers working at every level—from the grassroots to global movements. These conversations are honest, inspiring and full of insight—exploring what drives changemakers, the obstacles they navigate, and what keeps them going. Our first series, informed and inspired by our work with The Listening Fund, explores how youth organisations and funders can better listen to young people. You can find show notes at https://www.collectivediscovery.co.uk/shift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Collective Discovery
  • Episodes
    23
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Collective Discovery
  • Show Website
    Shift