In episode 1 of our brand new series: Lively Minds: the mental health podcast, Ellie and Will ask 'what is mental health?'

Drawing on their own personal and professional experience, they discuss how they frame and understand their own mental health challenges, the pros and cons of diagnostic labels, the difference between mental 'wellbeing' and mental 'health' and the problem with the prevalent 'self help' culture within mental health support.

The episode transcript can be found here.

Find out more about the podcast and get signposted to support services at www.anyamedia.net/livelyminds

Ellie Page is a freelance artist, producer, editor and access consultant based in Manchester. An experienced youth worker and mental health practitioner, Ellie had to step down her Social Work practice following worsening mobility difficulties. This led to a successful freelance career which she continues alongside her other work. She worked enthusiastically as Project Coordinator of the UK Disability Arts Alliance, and is a co-founder of TRIAD³, a collaborative arts studio set-up thanks to funding from ACE. Ellie recently received a Merit award in her MSc Psychology, as well as Dissertation of the Year 2022. She manages the North West Hub for Outside In, working with artists who face significant barriers to the arts world, and continues to work as a freelance writer, book designer & arts and mental health practitioner.

Will Sadler is a filmmaker, radio & sound producer and photographer, with 25 years experience working with the heritage, cultural, charitable and public sectors. He has co-produced and mixed several radio programmes for the BBC and works with the cultural and voluntary sectors to create podcasts. He is co-founder and Development Director of Beacon Films, a multi-award winning production company that supports Disabled and neurodivergent filmmakers. In 2015, he became a Fellow of the School for Social Entrepreneurs. He is a contributor to North East Bylines and The Mighty.