Christmas on my MIND

As part of the continuing content for Time To Change, MA Multimedia Journalism student Dave Wheeler interviews Calvin Glen, a 15 year old ambassador for Dorset MIND, who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome. Calvin released a single last Christmas called ‘Christmas On Your Mind’ and put together an album with other local artists to raise money and awareness for Dorset MIND, a youth mental health charity. In this interview, conducted before the Christmas launch show for the alum, Calvin talks about his struggles with depression and anxiety, and his work with Dorset MIND. You will also hear extracts from Calvin’s performance at the show beginning with his isngle ‘Christmas On Your Mind’. Both the single ‘Christmas On Your Mind’ and the album ‘Dorset Mind’ are available on iTunes. Be warned, the interview discusses depression, anxiety and suicide which some listeners may find distressing.

Taking Stress out of School

The teacher’s union NASWUT last year reported in a survey that 22% of teachers had increased their alcohol intake and 21% had increased their caffeine intake due to stress. Schools on the island of Guernsey have recently appointed mental health and well-being champions amongst their staff as part of an initiative to encourage a better work environment. Nik de Garis spoke to Tracey Moore, the headteacher of Amherst Primary School in Guernsey to find out more.

Dave Chawner Interview

Dave Chawner is a not only an actor and stand-up comedian, but he also works as a mental health campaigner for Beat.co.uk which is the UK’s leading Eating Disorder charity. Dave was in his late teens when he first became ill with Anorexia and uses his experience of the illness as the basis for his comedy set, he is currently touring his “Normally Abnormal” show up and down the country. He’ll be at Bournemouth University’s Student Union on 1st March and if you would like help and advice or just want to know more about Eating disorders visit beat.co.uk.