Podcasts

This is the first of the podcasts created by Steven and in this one he talks about Healthwatch, what we do and how he links in as a community champion and his work.

This second podcast features Community Champion Ellie Graham who is an Independent Advocate working for People First.  Ellie talks about what advocacy is and shares some top tips.  

There is a round table discussion including Yvonne and Terry Bytheway.  Yvonne and Terry are also Community Champions and Yvonne is volunteer and Governor for South Tees Hospitals and is promoting their Forget me Not cards initiative.  Terry is Chairman of Teesside Prostate Cancer Support Group and talks about his prostate cancer journey.

In this podcast Vicky and Steven talk to Victoria Ani.  Victoria is one of our first volunteers and she takes us through her journey as a volunteer and how her masters degree and career plans brought her to the UK. 

This podcast features Kerri Brems who works for ARCH.  Kerri talks about how ARCH has evolved, how her career has developed and the vital services they offer.

If you would like to know more about Kerri's role as a community champion click here or visit www.archteesside.org.

This podcast features Peter Horrocks, Chair of Community Pharmacy Tees Valley and they discuss Community Pharmacies, the prescription journey and when it is best to order your repeat prescriptions etc. 

We have also produced a community pharmacy document that has all the information in you need to get the best out of your local chemist.  You can read this here.

In this podcast Vicky talks about her new secondment to Project Coordinator and our guest is Sandra Blades who works for the Citizen's Advice Bureau and discusses a new role of a Growing Older Coordinator, which helps people over the age of 50.

You can find more information by clicking here.

In this episode Steven and Vicky talk to with Helen Dent, Project Development Manager at Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) - our host organisation

Helen talks about PCP’s work, their connection with Healthwatch South Tees, and the amazing local projects they support.

If you want to know more about PCP click here.  

🎙️ New Episode: The Story Behind the Cervical Screening Support Cards

We’re thrilled to share this powerful episode, a true labour of care and collaboration. 💜

Want to know how the Cervical Screening Support Cards came to life? This survivor-led initiative was championed by Kerri Brems, Counsellor and Participation/Training Co-Ordinator at Arch, alongside a dedicated steering group including voices from Public Health, the ICB, Healthwatch South Tees, and local community organisations.

Dr Jen Standen also talks about the Iris Project (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety).  The IRIS Programme provides training, support, referral, and advocacy model to support General Practice to better support their patients affected by domestic abuse.

Find out more about ARCH here.

Find our more about the Iris project here.

Spotlight on the Iris Project: A Conversation with Dr Jen Standen (part 1)

Following the success of our recent podcast episode exploring the innovative cervical screening cards, Steven and Vicky return with another powerful conversation—this time with Dr Jen Standen, the clinical lead for the Iris Project.

The Iris Project—short for Identification and Referral to Improve Safety—is a vital collaboration between Primary Care and third sector organisations that specialise in supporting those affected by domestic abuse. It aims to equip healthcare professionals with the tools and training they need to identify signs of domestic abuse and provide safe, effective referrals to specialist services.

In this episode, Dr Standen shares her insights into how the Iris Project is transforming the way general practice responds to domestic abuse. She discusses the importance of early intervention, the role of trusted relationships between patients and healthcare providers, and how the project is helping to bridge the gap between medical services and community-based support.

🎧 Listen now to learn more about the Iris Project and how it’s making a difference.

Part 2: A Closer Look at the IRIS Project & My Sisters Place

In this episode, Leanne Smith takes us deeper into the transformative work of the IRIS Project — a pioneering initiative that equips general practice teams to better identify and respond to domestic abuse.

She highlights how early intervention, trusted relationships between patients and healthcare professionals, and strong links to community-based support are key to making a real difference.

One of the standout partnerships featured is with My Sisters Place, a specialist domestic abuse service based in Middlesbrough. Their involvement has been instrumental in embedding the IRIS model locally, offering direct support to survivors and training to healthcare teams.

Leanne shares how My Sisters Place became a vital part of the IRIS journey, helping bridge the gap between medical services and frontline support. Their team provides a safe, confidential space for those affected by domestic abuse and works closely with GP practices to ensure survivors are not alone.

Need Support or Want to Learn More?

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, or if you're a professional looking to connect with My Sisters Place, you can reach them via:

🌐 Website: My Sister's Place
📞 Phone: 01642 241864
📧 Email: reception@mysistersplace.co.uk