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The Great Minds Podcast

Education Podcasts

Collecting 'Great Minds' to work together on our journey to help solve the SEND and Mental Health crisis for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and/or social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. We will be discussing the challenges of the health, education and social care systems, and how we can best support young people and their families by sharing good practice on how we can make the system better, with a variety of guest speakers including parents, professionals and children.

Location:

United Kingdom

Description:

Collecting 'Great Minds' to work together on our journey to help solve the SEND and Mental Health crisis for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and/or social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. We will be discussing the challenges of the health, education and social care systems, and how we can best support young people and their families by sharing good practice on how we can make the system better, with a variety of guest speakers including parents, professionals and children.

Language:

English

Contact:

07929044510


Episodes
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S5 Ep4 - Behaviour Awareness Week Special

9/22/2025
In this episode of the GMT Podcast, we dive deep into the complexities of behaviour and societal expectations with our special guest and Great Minds Ambassador, Stephanie Davies. Ahead of Behaviour Awareness Week, we explore the impact of misinterpreted behaviours, the challenges faced in the public eye, and the importance of understanding neurodiversity. Join us as we discuss personal journeys, the need for systemic change in education, and the launch of our exciting new 'But Why?' podcast campaign. Don't miss this insightful conversation that challenges norms and advocates for a more inclusive society.

Duration:00:35:02

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S5 Ep3 - Partner Power: Working Together for Neurodivergent Communities

9/8/2025
In this episode, Michelle Myers speaks with Caroline, the founder of Parents in Mind, about her journey as a parent navigating the challenges of raising a child with autism. They discuss the struggles faced within the education and health systems, the impact of COVID-19 on schooling, and the importance of support networks. Caroline shares her experiences and insights on creating a supportive community for parents, empowering them with knowledge and resources, and the future aspirations for Parents in Mind.

Duration:00:37:07

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S5 Ep2 - Lived Experience Being a Neurodivergent Young Person Today

8/25/2025
In this episode, Michelle Myers is joined by Cerys and Akira to explore what it is like growing up as a neurodivergent young person in today's world. Through honest and open conversation and personal insights, they share their experiences of navigating education and relationships and the struggles they have faced fitting into a society that often misunderstands neurodiversity.

Duration:00:32:47

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S5 Ep1 - Welcome Back: GMT’s Vision For Change

8/11/2025
✨ Season 5 is here – with a brand new look, feel, and focus! ✨ After some time away, the Great Minds Together podcast is back; refreshed, re-energised, and ready to spark change. In our first episode of the new series, CEO Emma Mander and Executive Director Lucy Dimond take you behind the scenes of GMT’s journey, from humble beginnings to influencing change on a national scale. We talk openly about: Growing an organisation while staying true to your values The realities (and challenges) of creating true inclusivity Why the current education, health, and social care systems are failing – and how we can fix them Our ambitious vision for systemic change across the UK Game-changing projects, including the Hampshire & Isle of Wight needs-led pathway It’s raw, honest, and full of hope for a better future for children, families, and the professionals who support them.

Duration:00:40:38

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SERIES FOUR - Episode Eleven - Neurodiversity in the Workplace Podcast

3/21/2025
In this Podcast, we explore the power of Neurodiversity in the workplace—why it matters and what we do to foster a fully inclusive environment. Our staff, Michelle, Annie, and Matthew, share personal experiences and expert insights on breaking down stigma, creating supportive workspaces, and implementing processes that help neurodivergent employees thrive.

Duration:00:36:49

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SERIES FOUR - Episode Ten - Children's Mental Health Week

2/9/2025
In this Podcast, Michelle Myers, Head of Autism Central, Central Services and Inclusive Practice, Annie Tilleke, Inclusive Practice Manager & North West Autism Central Wraparound Coordinator Lead and Emily Duxbury, Complex Case Practitioner discuss Children's Mental Health Week and share helpful information and strategies for identifying and supporting mental health.

Duration:00:40:35

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Situational Mutism Podcast

11/4/2024
SERIES FOUR - Episode Nine - Situational Mutism In this Podcast, Michelle Myers, Head of Autism Central, Central Services and Inclusive Practice, is joined by Suzy Zito, Deputy Head of Outreach as they discuss the complexities of this often misunderstood anxiety disorder where people find themselves unable to speak in specific situations.

Duration:00:51:15

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SERIES FOUR- Episode Eight - Manchester Early Help - Myth Busting Podcast

8/21/2024
In this Podcast, Lucy Dimond, Executive Director at Great Minds Together and Anthony Gillfillan and Jeff Burns both from the Early Help Team in Manchester discuss what Early Help support looks like and how families can access it.

Duration:00:52:42

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SERIES FOUR - Episode Seven - Transitioning to Higher Education

8/14/2024
In this Podcast, Michelle Myers is joined by Ailsa McDougall, Caseholding Supervisor and Jacob Lennon, Young Peoples Champion, in which Jacob discusses the challenges young people face as they transition through the education system and he shares his own experiences.

Duration:00:54:26

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SERIES FOUR - Episode Six - Summer Holiday tips for neurodiverse families

7/15/2024
In this Podcast Michelle Myers and Liz Walls discuss summer holiday tips for neurodiverse families.

Duration:00:55:26

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Learning Disability Week Podcast

6/19/2024
SERIES FOUR - Episode Five In this podcast Michelle and Jamie discuss Learning Disability Week

Duration:00:50:56

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Mental Health Awareness Podcast

5/31/2024
SERIES FOUR - Episode Four - Mental Health Awareness In this episode, Michelle Myers, our Head of Autism Central and Inclusive Practice discusses the celebrations and challenges of Mental Health Awareness with Kirsty Edgson. www,greatmindstogether.co.uk www.autismcentral.org.uk info@greatmindstogether.co.uk

Duration:00:49:54

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SERIES FOUR - Episode Three - Stephanie Davis - Autism Acceptance Week

4/4/2024
On this episode, Michelle Myers and Emma Mander are joined by the wonderfully inspirational Stephanie Davis to celebrate Autism Acceptance Week. We are truly honoured to have Stephanie as our Ambassador for Great Minds Together, to help promote awareness and help with understanding around Autism, Neurodiversity and the need behind behaviour in children. Over the next 12 months we will be embarking on a number of campaigns together to help society move towards being more inclusive for neurodivergent people, and to encourage schools and children's homes to consider more therapeutic behaviour policies and approaches which will in turn support the mental health of neurodivergent children and young people, as well as their parents/carers more positively. If you would like to get involved, you can email us at info@gmt.team www.greatmindstogether.co.uk www.autismcentral.org.uk

Duration:00:35:42

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SERIES FOUR - Episode Two - Neurodiversity Week 2024

3/13/2024
In this episode Michelle Myers, our Head of Autism Central and Inclusive Practice discusses the celebrations and challenges of Neurodiversity with Ailsa McDougall and Emily Duxbury. www.greatmindstogether.co.uk www.autismcentral.org.uk

Duration:00:48:05

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SERIES FOUR - Episode One - Childrens Mental Health Week February 2024

2/24/2024
In this episode, Michelle Myers, Lucy Dimond and Jinnie Tong discuss Childrens Mental Health Week and share some helpful information and strategies around how best to identify and support children's Mental Health. www.greatmindstogether.co.uk

Duration:00:51:21

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SERIES THREE - Episode Seven - Neurodiversity & The Holidays

2/20/2024
Ailsa McDougall and Michelle Myers speak to Emma about how families can best support their neurodivergent family members in the holiday periods.

Duration:00:45:13

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SERIES THREE - Episode Six - Tier 3.5 Services, Hayley Morris

10/24/2023
In this episode Hayley Morris talks about the service she manages in Great Minds Together and the challenges we face system wide when supporting the 'forgotten children' of our society.

Duration:00:49:11

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SERIES THREE - Episode Five - Michelle Myers

9/30/2023
This episode, the lovely Michelle, our North West Autism Central Hub Lead, talks about her personal experiences in the workplace and in life, being an Autistic adult. www.greatmindstogether.co.uk www.autismcentral.org.uk

Duration:01:04:43

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SERIES THREE - Episode Four - Stacey Walker, SENCO

9/9/2023
This episode we talk to the lovely Stacey Walker, a SENCO at a Multi Acadamy Trust in Oldham, Greater Manchester. Stacey talks to us about the challenges and rewards of being a SENCO in a mainstream environment, and gives some great guidance on how we can best support our young people with SEND by making some easy changes to our approach across the Education system. www.greatmindstogether.co.uk

Duration:00:41:29

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SERIES THREE - Episode Three - TEACHER STRIKES

3/21/2023
In this episode, we welcome Karen Hardman, an ex-teacher to discuss the teacher strikes, why they are happening and why so many teachers are leaving the profession.

Duration:00:35:02