'Under The Covers' From Westminster Libraries Westminster Libraries

Our guest is Jaime Thurston, founder of the charity, '52 Lives'. Every week this amazing organisation responds to requests for help posted on social media - and literally changes lives. Jaime describes the moment she was inspired to set it up and speaks of how kindness is at the heart of all that it does.

Our music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and is available on freemusicarchive

Our guest is Christie Junor-Sheppard, the Head of Registration Services at Westminster Council. From presiding over celebrity weddings at the magical Old Marylebone Town Hall to welcoming people into British Citizenship, it's an extraordinary role. Christie says it's the best job she's ever done. And she reveals details of two exciting anniversary events happening this year.

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander which is available on freemusicarchive

In this episode we meet Army Veteran Paul Minter who is talking about the work of the Armed Forces charity ‘Head Up’. It aims to improve the mental health of service people – current and retired. A particular focus is on suicide prevention. Paul also talks about his own traumatic experiences and how his book choices played a vital role in
improving his mind set.
Warning: This episode contains references to suicide




Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander on freemusicarchive

With us this month is David Wilkins, who is Head of Smart City Programmes for Westminster City Council. In his time in the role, David's aim has been to make sure everyone in, and visiting, Westminster is 'fantastically' connected. And that has included measures such as providing free, seamless WiFi and tackling data poverty. In his book choices, David talks about being inspired to achieve a work-life balance,  including how to live healthily until 100!  And how voice recognition technology is more likely to understand a male voice.



Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and is available at freemusicarchive

In this episode we're focusing on Black History Month. Librarian Sara Ashbourne actually helped launch Under the Covers, by being the very first guest, more than two years ago. Sara is speaking about women who inspired her, and how she strives to inspire others.



Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and is available at freemusicarchive

Hamza Taouzzale became the youngest ever Lord Mayor of Westminster at the age of 22. During his term, which ended in May this year, he found himself taking part in internationally high profile events while carrying out an important agenda to support his local community. He also strove to support young people and encouraged them to see the value of getting involved in politics at an early age.



Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and is available at freemusicarchive