In the first episode of Season 2 of The Class Ceiling, Liam Gifford and Melissa Allada sit down with advocate, activist, and public speaker Ben Hurst for an insightful conversation about supporting young men through the challenges of masculinity, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. Ben shares stories from his work in universities and communities where he helps create spaces for young men to open up, challenge stereotypes, and connect in meaningful ways. Together, they dive into the power of curiosity, empathy, and role modelling in fostering growth and understanding, while also tackling the importance of normalising struggles and having honest conversations.

You can learn more about the work that Ben and Beyond Equality do here, and can stay in the loop on Instagram @beyond_equality @therealbenhurst.

In this tenth and Heather Pasero's final episode of The Class Ceiling Podcast, Liam Gifford and Heather spoke to Deputy Vice Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, Professor Damien Page. Damien is founder of the Working Class Leaders and Aspiring Leaders in Higher Education network. They speak about perceptions and attitudes to working-class professionals working in Higher Education in the UK.

This shorter episode of the Class Ceiling Podcast was recorded at the launch event for The Class Ceiling Photography exhibition. The Class Ceiling is a photography exhibition showcasing the working-class experiences of a range of students, staff and alumni of the University of Southampton. Produced and curated by the University of Southampton’s Social Mobility Network, it offered a glimpse into the lived experiences of its contributors, celebrating who they are and what they bring to the institution and our city.

The Social Mobility Network is a dedicated space for like-minded students and staff who self-define as having a low socioeconomic or working class background. Members of the Social Mobility Network can inform and create cultural change that will benefit all students and staff at the University of Southampton.

The Class Ceiling exhibition was the Social Mobility Network’s first presentation at John Hansard Gallery.