The latest episode of Community Soapbox is a Youth Ambassador Takeover special!

As we celebrate #childrensmentalhealthweek, our Youth Ambassadors Sarah & Olena stepped up to interview their guest of choice, Derry City footballer Ciaron Harkin. The girls did their research, planned their questions, & conducted the interview brilliantly.

Sarah & Olena explored Ciaron's injury setbacks; his efforts to get back playing the sport he loves; and how he juggles his life as a footballer and as a daddy. If you are a Derry City fan, we hope you enjoy this episode.

To find out more about Ciaron's story check out: https://www.derryjournal.com/sport/football/derry-citys-ciaron-harkin-has-new-lease-of-life-after-double-acl-injury-4409555

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"Ability NOT disability."

The team were joined today by Sinead Lynch, co-founder of Ruby's Fitness. We have to admit, this episode was emotional.

Listening to Sinead's passion for working with people to achieve their fitness and well-being goals, taking into account their ability, not disability, was awe-inspiring. A huge thanks to Sinead for sharing her personal story with us and telling our listeners how with her co-founder Bronagh Mc Namara, Ruby's Fitness is making a positive difference in people's lives.

Check them out on facebook: @rubysfitness

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"Just take it, one feed at a time."

On this episode of Community Soapbox, we welcomed Noella & Sinead from North West BAPS to discuss all things related to breastfeeding. Did you know we have some of the lowest figures for breastfeeding in the world?

The girls share their experiences of breastfeeding and their mission to spread awareness and information for mums, particularly in the North West.

For more info on North West BAPS, they can be found on facebook and instagram @northwestbaps

https://www.derryjournal.com/health/new-banner-unveiled-at-free-derry-corner-ahead-of-world-breastfeeding-week-4233258

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For World Children's Day we recorded a special bonus episode of Community Soapbox featuring the Health Forum's very own Youth Ambassadors.

Liam, Brandon, Sarah & Adam shared their views on growing up in the North West, the pressures they feel, and what they would like to see happen to make Derry City & Strabane a more child-friendly city.

We also discussed articles from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and what it means for children and young people.

For more info on the convention, visit:

www.unicef.org.uk/what-we-do/un-convention-child-rights/

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Ever what makes that little rattle sound when you shake a spray can?

Yep, that's a peaball.

Donal O'Doherty from the creative collective Peaball sat down with the team to discuss all things graffiti and how street art can improve communities.

Donal covers how the wave of hip-hop culture in the '90s inspired him to get involved in art, the community effort that goes into creating pieces of art, and his most recent work on a mural for HIVE Cancer Support that involves an innovative type of paint that captures carbon dioxide.

For more info on Peaball, check out their website: www.peaball.com

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"Be more horse"

The team at the Health Forum sat down for a chat with Louise Moorhead from Equine Enrichment to discuss how horses are used holistical to help provide therapy to those who need it. Horses are strong and powerful animals with the potential to support people when overcoming fears and developing confidence and the therapeutic relationship between a horse and a human has been identified and statistically proven worldwide to have significant success and benefits for people with mental health issues where other approaches have failed to deliver.

Louise recognised this in 2017 and has been passionate about this relatively new model of practice explained the benefits of equine therapy in tackling poor mental health.

Check out 'Equine therapy' on facebook and Instagram as well as the 'North West Spectrum'.

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