In this episode of TrustTalk, our CEO Lois Whitehouse is joined by Year 12 students Libby, Obaayaa and Aryan from Blue Coat CofE School as they take over the interviewing duties and put their questions directly to Praful Nargund, Skills Adviser to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Founder and Director of the Good Growth Foundation.

Together, they explore the opportunities and challenges facing young people as they prepare for their futures, from apprenticeships and technical education to meaningful work experience, artificial intelligence and the skills that could shape the jobs of tomorrow.

Praful also reflects on his own journey through business, policy and public service, sharing why following your passions, learning from failure and developing strong communication skills can make a lasting difference.

It is a conversation shaped by the questions young people themselves want answered, looking at how schools, employers and government can work together to create meaningful opportunities and help every young person feel confident about what comes next.

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What does Pride really mean today?

In Episode 2 of the TrustTalk Podcast, Rob Darling and Gemma Hathaway are joined by Nick Cherryman, Chair of Coventry Pride, for an honest conversation about community, representation and why Pride continues to matter.

Recorded the DAY AFTER Coventry Pride Weekend, Nick reflects on the emotion of watching months of planning come to life, the challenges faced behind the scenes and the unforgettable moment they realised the impact the event was having on people's lives.

The conversation explores why Pride is about far more than a single month or celebration. Nick shares his powerful belief that "the opposite of shame is pride", discusses the importance of visibility and representation for young people and explains why allyship and community are essential in creating places where everyone feels they belong.

Along the way, they open up about supporting young people searching for acceptance, overcoming online abuse and why seeing yourself represented can genuinely change lives.

Whether you attended Pride or simply want to understand why these conversations still matter, this episode offers an inspiring and thought-provoking look at community, courage and belonging.

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How important is belonging to our mental health?

In Episode 3 of the TrustTalk Podcast, Gemma Hathaway is joined by Dee Hodgson from Unity in Coventry for a compassionate conversation about identity, wellbeing and the power of feeling accepted.

Drawing on years of experience supporting LGBTQIA+ communities, Dee explains why belonging is fundamental to mental health and how trusted adults can have a life-changing impact on young people who may be struggling with their identity or feeling isolated.

Together, they discuss the effects of anxiety, loneliness and masking, the importance of listening without judgement and why every person's story deserves patience, kindness and respect. Dee also shares practical advice for schools, workplaces and communities looking to create environments where people genuinely feel safe to be themselves.

At the heart of the conversation is one simple but powerful reminder: they matter.

Whether you support young people professionally or simply want to better understand the importance of belonging, this episode is full of thoughtful insight and practical wisdom.

#TrustTalkPodcast #MentalHealth #Belonging #Wellbeing #Education

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What does it really take to create a place where everyone feels safe, welcomed and valued?

In the final episode of this special Pride Month series of the TrustTalk Podcast, Rob Darling and Gemma Hathaway are joined by Adelaide, a member of The Yard team, to hear what life is really like behind the scenes at one of Coventry's most welcoming community venues.

Adelaide shares how creating a genuinely inclusive environment is about far more than serving drinks. From welcoming regular visitors and supporting community events to recognising when someone might need help, the conversation reveals the care, training and compassion that go into creating a space where people feel they truly belong.

Together, they discuss the importance of treating people with kindness, looking beyond first impressions and creating cultures where respect is at the heart of every interaction. Adelaide also reflects on what schools, workplaces and community organisations can learn from places like The Yard about helping people feel seen, valued and accepted.

This episode is a fitting conclusion to the series and a reminder that inclusion is often built through the small, everyday actions that make the biggest difference.

#TrustTalkPodcast #Community #Belonging #Inclusion #Education

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In the very first episode of the TrustTalk Podcast, Rob Darling, Deputy CEO, and Gemma Hathaway, Trust EDI and Personal Development Lead at Inspire Education Trust, are joined by Richard Easter, Owner of The Yard and Director of Unity in Coventry.

Recorded at The Yard in Coventry during Pride Month, Richard shares the story behind one of the city's best known inclusive venues and explains why creating genuinely welcoming spaces takes far more than displaying a rainbow flag.

Together, they explore why The Yard has never hidden behind closed curtains, what it takes to create spaces where people genuinely feel safe and valued, and how visibility, allyship and belonging can transform communities. They also discuss what schools, businesses and community organisations can learn from one another, and why meaningful partnerships are key to creating lasting change.

Richard also reflects on his own experiences growing up, the importance of positive role models in education and why even the smallest moments can make a lifelong difference to a young person.

Whether you work in education, lead an organisation or simply want to help build more inclusive communities, this conversation offers practical insight into what genuine belonging looks like.

Subscribe for more conversations from the TrustTalk Podcast, where we explore the issues shaping education, leadership and our communities.

#TrustTalkPodcast #Pride #Inclusion #Education #Belonging

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