Real voices.
Shared experiences.
Conversations that connect us.
CAPITAL Connections is our podcast here at CAPITAL, our user-led mental health charity. Created collaboratively by volunteers, staff and community contributors, the podcast brings people together to share lived experiences, explore ideas and talk about how we can make a difference.
Through honest conversations with people from across our communities, we explore mental health, recovery, peer support, co-production and the changes needed to make services and society more inclusive.
Every conversation offers an opportunity to listen, learn and see things from a different perspective.
Why CAPITAL Connections?
Lived experience has the power to challenge assumptions, change attitudes and influence the way people understand and respond to mental health and wellbeing.
At CAPITAL, we believe that people with lived experience should have a meaningful role in shaping the conversations, services and decisions that affect their lives. CAPITAL Connections provides a platform for voices and experiences that are not always heard, creating space for people to share what matters to them in their own words.
Our podcast aims to:
- Amplify lived experience: Make space for people to share their experiences, knowledge and perspectives.
- Challenge stigma: Encourage open conversations that question stereotypes, reduce isolation and build understanding.
- Champion peer support and co-production: Explore the value of shared experience, collaboration and involving people in decisions that affect them.
- Connect communities: Bring together people, projects and organisations working towards positive change.
- Support system change: Share ideas and learning that can influence services, challenge inequalities and help create more person-centred approaches.
Our values
CAPITAL Connections is guided by respect, inclusion and hope. We want our conversations to be thoughtful, welcoming and grounded in the understanding that everyone’s experiences matter.
We recognise that sharing personal experiences can be meaningful, but it should always be a choice. We aim to create respectful conversations where contributors are listened to and different perspectives can be explored without judgement.
The podcast is volunteer-led, reflecting CAPITAL’s commitment to putting lived experience at the heart of our work.
Our Podcast Team is:
Duncan (CEO, CAPITAL)
Hannah (Volunteer)
John (Volunteer)
Kirsty (Communications Coordinator, CAPITAL)
Ricky (Lived Experience Facilitator, Possability People)
Sara (Lived Experience Lead, CAPITAL)
Zoe (Volunteer)
Everyone brings their own experience and unique skills to the team.
Listen to CAPITAL Connections
Follow or subscribe to keep up with new episodes and share the podcast with anyone who might find these conversations useful.
Each episode brings a different perspective, from community projects and peer support to mental health, substance use, homelessness and the experiences of people working to make a difference.
Find our full list of episodes here:
CAPITAL Connections Spotify Profile | CAPITAL Connections Youtube Channel
Episode 4: Dan Barritt and Rob Whitehead, West Sussex County Council
West Sussex County Council Community Fund
Discussing the Community Fund, co-production and how putting resources and decision-making power into the hands of people with lived experience can support meaningful change.
Episode 6: Javel Watt, Beyond the Narrative
Guidance vs Grooming and High on Health
Exploring young people’s experiences of substance use and the importance of listening to voices that are often overlooked.
Episode 7: Scott Poppleton
Creating Space for Recovery Through Art
A conversation about the Creative Space art group in Bognor, exploring creativity, lived experience and how peer-led community spaces can build confidence, friendships and connection.
Episode 8: Kelly Stevens, Carers Support West Sussex
Carers Support
Exploring the experiences of family members and friends supporting someone affected by drug or alcohol use, the value of peer support and the importance of helping carers feel connected and understood.
Episode 9: Mia Robinson, Build On Belief
Women’s Wellbeing Programme
A conversation with Mia, Service Manager at Build On Belief, exploring lived experience, peer support and the value of creating opportunities for people to connect and support one another.
Listen: Spotify | YouTube
More episodes coming soon!
We’re continuing to share conversations that amplify lived experience, explore new perspectives and inspire positive change.