On episode 8, Lou chats with Kev Stapler, an ambassador for 'The Burnt Chef Project' - a charity that provides education, support, and resources to tackle mental health stigma and improve wellbeing in the hospitality industry.

Kev talks about his own journey, as well what life is really like for chefs and staff in the hospitality sector. He raises issues and concerns about staff mental wellbeing, and how The Burnt Chef Project is looking to raise more awareness of mental health in such a intense line of work.

For more information please visit www.theburntchefproject.com/

warning: Contains discussion of mental health issues, alcohol use, drug use and one mention of the words 'self harm' in reference to an episode of Boiling Point - a british TV show about the kitchen at a busy restaurant in London - no further details were discussed.

On today's episode, Lou sat down with Becki and our special guest Andrew Cullen, the CEO of Portsmouth Football Club.

We talked about Andy's history with the club (including where it all began for Andy), life during and after the pandemic, and what the club means to him and Pompeys loyal fans.

For more information on Portsmouth Football Club, visit:

www.portsmouthfc.co.uk

On today's episode , Lou sat down with Becki and the founder of Portsmouth's flourishing LGBTQ+ organisation, 'Queer All Year'.

CP talks about the growing support for LGBTQ+ communities in Portsmouth, how much Portsmouth Pride has grown in the last few years, and about how we can help members of our queer community feel accepted and respected in local spaces.

For more information on Portsmouth Pride and Queer All Year visit www.queerallyear.co.uk and www.portsmouthpride.org.uk - You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook.

This episode, Becki sits down for a cup of tea with Brad Goddard, web designer and founder of We are Jungle and Heather Hulbert, graphic and web designer, who are both working on updating the Spark Website. They discuss the importance of a website for both charities and businesses, and how important they are when it comes to showcasing what you do.

Trigger Warning - talk of suicide and death.

In this impromptu episode Becki is joined by Ruth, founder of Grace to Restore, and Diane from Baby Basics.

They discuss the importance of early intervention, the impacts of suicide on those left behind, and why Ruth took the journey to start her own charity.

If you are struggling and need help call Samaritans on 116 123.

This week Lou and Sue sat down for a cup of tea and a chat in honour of volunteers' week.

Listen as Sue shares a bit about her life and her volunteer journey.

To learn more about Spark: https://sparkcommunityspace.co.uk/