Healing Together: How Play Therapy Changes Lives

Discover how Beacon Family Services is transforming children's mental health care in the latest episode of the Make an Impact podcast. Join me as I speak with Charlotte, the founder of this remarkable organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic family support in the West Midlands. With around 70% of children not receiving adequate mental health services, Charlotte shares her journey of establishing an innovative approach to therapy that centres on play, connection, and community.In this episode, we delve into the crucial work being done to support families through play therapy while also highlighting the urgent need for accessible resources, especially during and after the pandemic. Charlotte explains how her organisation employs both traditional methods and digital tools, including the highly praised Lumin&us app, which serves as a vital resource for families to aid early mental health concerns.The conversation emphasises the significance of measuring the impact of therapeutic work on families and discusses innovative ways to gather meaningful feedback. We explore how parents can feel empowered by engaging actively in their children's emotional development through play, fostering a sense of safety and trust within families.Charlotte shares the importance of community partnerships and how collaborative efforts can address mental health crises more effectively. Charlotte's dedication to improving mental health care in children and families resonates throughout our discussion, igniting hope and a call to action for better support systems in our communities.Tune in for a deep dive into these pressing issues, and be inspired to join the movement for better mental health services for our children and families. Don’t forget to check out the Lumin&us app for a valuable tool in navigating parenting challenges.  You can access the app via https://luminusfamilywellbeing.com/And the discount codes mentioned in this episode for Lumin&us are: Families F42WKS and Professionals P42WKS.To find out more about Beacon Family Services go to: https://www.beaconservices.org.uk/Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Gabriela Matouskova from Hope for the Community shares her inspiring journey from the initial challenges of the pandemic to embracing technology for transformative community care. Through innovative partnerships and focus on measurement of impact, Hope for the Community has supported over 30,000 individuals, navigating the delicate balance of emotional and social support alongside practical solutions.Gabriela's unexpected journey into social enterprise The role of technology in overcoming pandemic challenges Growth of digital services supporting long-term conditions Importance of collaborative partnerships in community outreach Emphasis on measuring impact and user experience Future plans focused on technology integration and sustainability Call to action for organisations seeking to innovate responsiblyHi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Can social data revolutionise healthcare? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of Miranda Mapleton, CEO of White Swan, a charity that's leveraging anonymised social data and AI to transform patient care. Discover how a personal story involving the a friend's sister's rare condition ignited a movement to improve health outcomes through innovative technology. Miranda walks us through her transition from a marketing executive to leading a team of 130 passionate volunteers, all driven by the mission to make healthcare more effective and accessible.We'll explore the ground-breaking work White Swan is doing in collaboration with universities, charities, and commercial organisations, and how their bespoke projects and reports are making a real impact. Learn about the rapid advancements in AI, specifically Large Language Models, and how they're enhancing data processes to benefit patient care. Miranda also shares White Swan's future ambitions to democratise their data for academic research and expand partnerships, emphasising the critical role of client feedback and returning clients. Tune in to be inspired by how data and technology are paving the way for a healthier future.Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

In this episode, Heidi Fisher is joined by Johnathan Parsons, Managing Director and Consultant Clinical Scientist at Chime Social Enterprise.Chime is an NHS Audiology Service that utilised the Government Right to Request scheme to spin out as a not-for-profit Social Enterprise, having spun out 12 years ago under the "right to request" legislation.  Owned by its staff, the organisation has a direct contract with the ICB for audiology services in the region.Heidi and Johnathan discuss the challenges, benefits, and ongoing success of Chime Audiology's transition to a social enterprise within the NHS. Their conversation also covers: Recognition of potential efficiencies beyond NHS supply chain protocols.The importance of flexibility, adaptation, and embracing change.Chime's impact report and its effectiveness in demonstrating the value of their services.What next?Visit Chime's website: www.chimehealth.co.ukNeed help with your Impact Measurement and Management? More about Heidi's work at  www.makeanimpactcic.co.ukHi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

In this episode, Heidi Fisher sits down with Rhonda Lovell, founder of Wellington Counselling, to explore Rhonda's journey from her early career in gender studies to becoming a therapist and establishing a community-focused counselling centre.Highlights from the discussion include:Organic growth of Wellington CounsellingCommunity support and collaborationPandemic Challenges and the surge in demand for counselling servicesOnline platforms for service delivery and adapting to the changing landscape of therapeutic supportBalancing grant dependency and traded incomeEstablishing a High Street Community Well-being CentreTune in to hear Rhonda's powerful message on the enduring challenges of expressing emotions in society, the urgency to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and how to embrace genuine self-kindness as an essential practice.What next?Visit The  Wellington Counselling website: www.wellington-counselling.co.ukNeed help with your Impact Measurement and Management? More about Heidi's work at  www.makeanimpactcic.co.ukHi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

The Parenting Apart Programme is an early intervention that prevents long-term negative impacts on children’s emotional health and well-being when their parents separate or divorce.In this episode, Managing Director Claire Field and Parenting Apart Consultant Kam Kaur share their insights into their innovative approach with Heidi. From organisational development to logistics and challenges to positive outcomes, this conversation highlights the importance of bringing parents together to foster respectful post-separation relationships. Dive into the emotional aspects of co-parenting, embracing individuality, and the challenges of collaborating with statutory agencies. Learn about the role of mediation, practitioner training, and the funding challenges faced by this vital service. The Parenting Apart Programme's critical role in prioritising children's well-being and advocating for a collaborative, supportive approach. Tune in for a powerful conversation on transforming mindsets and creating and reporting on positive impacts for families.What next?Visit The Parenting Apart Programme website: https://www.parentingapartprogramme.co.uk/ Find Kam and Claire on LinkedInNeed help with your Impact Measurement and Management? More about Heidi's work at  https://www.makeanimpactcic.co.ukHi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

What's the sign of an organisation that wants to realise the best for patients?It's something Dr. Linda Harris, a GP and the founding CEO of Spectrum Community Health CIC sees in droves everyday.And if you want to magnify your impact, whether in health and wellbeing, in working with vulnerable communities or across the gamut of social enterprises' outcomes, this episode is a must-listen.Linda is candid about her biggest learnings since Spectrum launched over 12 years ago. Why is growth good? How do you balance impact and scaling up? What should a maturing organisation let go of – and what must it embrace?She tells Heidi about the 'golden threads' Spectrum pulls together to provide quality healthcare for people in vulnerable circumstances and the three areas this CQC-regulated provider focuses on, and why.There's more. How do you attract and retain high quality team members? Why is communicating impact internally so important? And how is Spectrum addressing health inequalities?Heidi and Linda also cover the balance between leadership and luck, natural curveballs that lead to a compete paradigm shift, and the role and use of AI in impact and healthcare.What next?Visit the Spectrum Community Health CIC website: https://spectrum-cic.org.uk/Find Linda on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-linda-harris-82379938Need help with your Impact Measurement and Management? More about Heidi's work at  https://www.makeanimpactcic.co.ukHi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Catch22 supports over 160,000 people every year. A social business, it has over 1,700 staff and volunteers and delivers services addressing child exploitation, children's social care, criminal justice, education, employment and training, and health and wellbeing.Naomi Hulston had worked in the organisation for 21 years before taking on her 15th role as its chief executive.  She describes her passion for levering organisational strategy to achieve and boost outcomes and how 'building resilience' is at the heart of its work.Being a philosopher at heart and 'quite nosy' is an asset to her work, says Naomi. She also tells Heidi about Catch22's approach to collecting qualitative and quantitative data and managing and measuring its impact.Plus: the art of storytelling in communicating impact; is criminal justice in need of complete reform?; how the corporate sector can invest more in social and community activity; Naomi's biggest bugbears; and how social mobility is at the heart of Catch22's work.What next?More about Catch22: https://www.catch-22.org.uk/Listen to the Catch22 podcastFind Naomi on LinkedIn:  https://uk.linkedin.com/in/naomi-hulston-78026b32Need help with your Impact Measurement and Management? More about Heidi's work at  https://www.makeanimpactcic.co.ukHi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Paul Zelizer is a social entrepreneur coach and the co-host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast.He spent 15 years working in community mental health and tells Heidi about his journey from "burned-out, broke social worker" through a reinvention 16 years ago. Now he offers consultancy and coaching for impact-focused leaders. In this episode he covers:Using large organisations to lever impact.Securing work-life balance for a holistic life.The four questions every social entrepreneur needs to know.Why Paul is "impact agnostic" – and loves social enterprise.The power of podcasting to catalyse collaboration and learning.How he measures his impact.Scaling high-impact teams and organisations.Balancing innovation, learning and collaboration.And much more.Heidi reflects on her and Make an Impact's approach to measuring and managing impact, why people might be "surveyed out" and avoiding generic impact measurements.What next?You can get Paul's free guide, 4 QUESTIONS TO GROW YOUR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR BUSINESS,  from his website https://www.paulzelizer.com/Find Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulzelizerListen to the Awarepreneurs Podcast: https://www.awarepreneurs.com/podcastNeed help with your Impact Measurement and Management? More about Heidi's work at  https://www.makeanimpactcic.co.ukHi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Here's a rollicking, rip-roaring marketing 101 with Ayo Abbas.Ayo specialises in B2B (business to business) marketing for the built environment.  And she believes marketing shouldn't be a weird, mystical art. We hear:why you should always remember you're marketing to peoplethe problem with customer avatars – "I hate them" says Ayo, and confusing funnelswhy Ayo finds marketing architecture, engineering and other built environment services so much more interesting (and more of a mental challenge) than consumer marketingthe biggest barrier to people marketing confidently and what you can do to address ithow to beat the blank page of no inspirationthe power of repurposing contentcreating relationships and networkstrends: AI and Chat GPT and how they will impact on marketingHeidi and Ayo also discuss diversity in the built environment industry: both progress to date and what's still needed, along with Ayo's career journey up to and including launching Abbas Marketing in 2020, just before the pandemic struck.Ayo is a board member for Make an Impact CIC, Heidi's social enterprise. "It's such a delight to listen to your wisdom on marketing" says Heidi. What next?Visit Abbas Marketing, Ayo Abbas' built environment marketing consultancy for architects, engineers and contractors: https://www.abbasmarketing.comFind Ayo on LinkedIn where she posts powerful tips: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ayoabbasDo you need help with your Impact Measurement and Management? More about Heidi's work at  https://www.makeanimpactcic.co.ukHi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.