SOFEA SESSIONS

SOFEA SESSIONS SHORTHAND: How we are tackling digital inequalities one phone and laptop at a time.

Today's brand new episode is with Ben Tuppen, SOFEA's Getting Oxfordshire Online Programme Manager. Today also marks to beginning of Getting Online Week; a national campaign promoting nearly 50 events around the county - at libraries, NHS, community groups and more - all helping people to learn more about and build confidence using the internet.
If you a) need digital support or b) want to support this amazing programme, give this short episode a listen to find out more. 
Getting Oxfordshire Online | Helping everyone get online across Oxfordshire
www.sofea.uk.com
 

SOFEA SESSIONS SHORTHAND: Tackling health inequalities through free nutritional support within the community: SOFEA's Nourish and Flourish programme

Today’s Shorthand episode explains how SOFEA’s Nourish and Flourish programme – launched in partnership with the Didcot Primary Care Network in January 2022, addresses 3 key issues…
Rising childhood obesity; since 2006, childhood obesity rates have increased by 30% nationally and in Didcot alone, by 40%.
Rising chronic disease in adults.
Barriers to health eating. 
Dr Kerry Lock, SOFEA’s Nutritional Therapist and Nourish and Flourish Programme Manager talks about the 3 pillars of support that are addressing these issues:
Nourish and Flourish School Programme (piloted in Didcot 2022 & 2023)
Nourish and Flourish Nutritional Therapy Clinic (Since 2023)
Nourish and Flourish Community Kitchen (launched November 2023)
For more information:
Nutritional Therapy Support (Didcot only) – Referral via your GP, Diabetic Nurse or Social Prescribers
Via our website www.sofea.uk.com
Or email Kerry@sofea.uk.com 
 
Special thanks to all of our fabulous partners who have helped make Nourish and Flourish a success including: 
Dr Rachel Ward and the Didcot PCN, Nourish and Flourish kitchen magician Alex MacKay, 8 Didcot primary schools, Replenish Oxfordshire, Didcot Garden Town, JR Hospital, JDK Restaurants, Secret Santa 365, Brendan Mullard and team from Object Space Place, our lovely builder Chris from CSN Build, Nourish and Flourish community chefs Vanessa, Maia & Jane, Magnox & South and Vale Council ,You Move, & 2 local Didcot Secondary Schools 7 Fareshare UK
 
Thanks also to Nathan (podcast editing support).

Episode 15: Coming Out - My Story.

To celebrate Pride Month last month, Logan (he/him) has come onto the podcast to share his story about coming out as gay. In this episode, Logan, who is on SOFEA's education programme, bravely shares how coming out changed his life and how expressing himself through fashion and makeup impacts his self-confidence. 
This episode references bullying, homophobia and other potentially triggering topics. There is also some strong language in this episode. If you are in need of some support, click on the links below to see what support is available in Oxfordshire.
Links mentioned in the podcast:
www.sofea.uk.com
https://www.trainyouth.org.uk/more-services/
https://www.oxmindguide.org.uk/locationcategory/lgbtq/
 
 

Episode 14: Neurodivergence with Jamie Douglas.

Episode 14 is with the lovely Jamie Douglas from Response organisation; talking all things neurodivergence. Previously a teacher in a secondary school, Jamie was diagnosed as Autistic aged 40, and is also a parent of a neurodivergent child, giving him a breadth of lived and professional experience. This episode covers everything from diagnosis, energy drinks, the UK education system, and even some guidance around language we should be using when talking about Autism and how to challenge unhelpful comments. 
 
Please like, share and subscribe!

Episode 13: It's the t'ism - with SOFEA's Autism Advocacy Group.

To celebrate Autism Acceptance week, we have a very special youth-led episode with CJ, Max and Mia who are all members of our Autism Advocacy Group. All three of these wonderful young people are at SOFEA on various education and employability programmes, after having struggled in the mainstream education system as Autistic young people.
They each share parts of the lives, focusing on themes important to them such as friendships, social cues, sensory overload, the education system and their experiences through diagnosis. 
This inspirational group continue to strive for more equality for neurodivergent people, and hope that people listening, whether you are Autistic or not will join the movement to better support and understand neurodivergent individuals!
#autismacceptance 
www.sofea.uk.com
@sofeauk 
 

Episode 12: "Supporting men to fight the fight of life' - The Cornermen

Trigger warning: this episode discusses men's mental health and themes around suicide. 
'Because everyone needs someone in their corner’.
In this month’s episode, John and Steve from @thecornermencic join us to discuss how they combine boxing and men’s mental health support. This episode covers everything from suicide prevention, myths around men’s mental health, …. oh, and The Cornermen even have a band (and merch!). Links are all below.
A huge thank you to John and Steve for coming onto the #SOFEASESSIONSPODCAST, and for all the amazing work you do in South Oxfordshire.
https://thecornermen.org/
Instagram: @thecornermencic 
The Cornermen Band
 
 

Episode 11: Cooking, community and connection with Alex Mackay.

Episode 11 is here!
Alex Mackay joins us for a walk down memory lane; through his magnificent career and how it led him to being SOFEA’s Kitchen Magician. From cooking, to community, to connection, this episode covers so much, with a few laughs along the way. 
 
Ps. this episode does feature a tiny bit of strong language!

Episode 10: In Conversation with our Deputy CEO, Noel McCarthy

Episode 10 is here!
Our Deputy CEO and Director of Business Innovation, Noel McCarthy has joined us to talk about why communicating our model and why it works is so important, he also reflects on his past four years at SOFEA and how this has led him to his new role, which aims to strategically connect with businesses that share our values and why this is integral to a sustainable SOFEA model, that can help more people, in better ways.
If you are an individual or business wanting to support what we do please email Noel@sofea.uk.com or if you have a general inquiry about SOFEA contact info@sofea.uk.com. You can also find us at www.sofea.uk.com 
 

SOFEA SESSIONS SHORTHAND: What is Social Prescribing?

In today’s episode our Social Prescriber Link Worker Selina has come on to talk about what Social Prescribing is, why we feel it’s needed in the community and how people can access the support.
At SOFEA, we work with the Didcot PCN and also in partnership with Age UK to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs, thereby enabling them to take greater control of their health and wellbeing.
For more information about Social Prescribing please go to our website www.sofea.uk.com , speak to your GP or email us at Communitylink.sofea@nhs.net 
Please don't forget to leave feedback, like share or subscribe! 

SOFEA SESSIONS SHORTHAND: In conversation with the CEO - Strategic thinking and forward planning.

We are coming into our 10th year at SOFEA, so we invited our CEO Richard to reflect on lessons learnt over the last 9 years; focusing on how we can evolve and grow in the ever-changing society we live in; whilst benefiting the people in our communities. 
Richard talks about the importance of working towards reducing inequalities and how our 3-year strategy is going to help us achieve that. 
If you are passionate about making positive community change and want to find out more about what SOFEA's exciting plans are for the new few years, this is the episode for you.