Episodes

  • Meet the Group

    Meet the Group
    May 21 2025
    In this episode of the My HIStory podcast, we meet the Head Injury Support group. Learn about what makes the group happy, from the freedom of living, to hiking in the rain and solidarity among the group. Hear about the incredible backgrounds the group share, how their head injuries came to be, and the inspiring advice they have to share.
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    10 mins
  • Introducing HIS: The Power of Connection

    Introducing HIS: The Power of Connection
    May 21 2025
    Hear all about the Head Injury Support (HIS) group and the activities they get up to. The group speak about taking part in music and crafts, heading to the cinema, and the comfort they get from being in an inclusive space.
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    9 mins
  • My HIStory podcast

    My HIStory podcast
    May 15 2025
    My HIStory is a new series of podcasts featuring the members of the Head Injury Support group in Newry. Each episode the survivors tell the incredible stories behind their injury, and how it has changed their lives completely. MyHIStory is about heartbreak, laughter, and the indominable human spirit. Ahead of the new season – launching on Wednesday 21st May – listen to the survivors simply talk about what makes them happy.
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    2 mins
  • S2 E1 – Lee Smithey and Harrison Kim: Mural Mapping

    S2 E1 – Lee Smithey and Harrison Kim: Mural Mapping
    Sep 18 2024
    In series two episode one, the Creative Influencers interviewed sociologist Lee Smithey and his research assistant Harrison Kim, who were in Belfast for the Mural Mapping Project, now in its fifth iteration since 2005. Tune in to hear more.
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    22 mins
  • S1 E7 – Matt Farris: Young people and filmmaking

    S1 E7 – Matt Farris: Young people and filmmaking
    Nov 13 2023
    In this episode, actor, filmmaker, writer, and WheelWorks Arts artist Matt Farris takes centre stage. Matt shares his background, work history, and deep passion for art with Tom Thorpe. Matt discusses his involvement with WWA, particularly in the realm of filmmaking and facilitating sessions for young people. Matt emphasizes the critical role that art plays in his work and how it impacts the children he collaborates with. His diverse career includes acting roles, with notable appearances in the film "Starred Up" and a role as a Lannister soldier in the TV series "Game of Thrones." This episode provides a personal glimpse into Matt's artistic journey and the significance of art in his life and work.
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    14 mins
  • S1 E5 – Aimee Carlisle: Young People and the iProgramme

    S1 E5 – Aimee Carlisle: Young People and the iProgramme
    Oct 30 2023
    Aimee Carlisle, the Education Co-Ordinator at Foster Care Associates in Belfast, is the focus of this episode. Aimee discusses her involvement in WheelWorks Art's (WWA) iProgramme with Tom Thorpe. The iProgramme is designed to enhance the confidence, self-esteem, and social participation of young people who have experienced traumatic circumstances and adversity, including abuse, neglect, or family dysfunction. These young individuals often reside in areas marked by high deprivation and face the challenges of poverty and inadequate housing. The iProgramme serves as a beacon of hope, offering them creative activities that nurture positive friendships, boost self-assurance, and encourage exploration of new horizons and skills. Through various art forms, including arts and crafts, animation, music production, photography, and virtual reality (VR), these young souls discover their creative passions and innate strengths. Aimee highlights the profound impact of WWA's work on these individuals and expresses concerns about the potential consequences of funding cuts to such vital programmes.
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    21 mins
  • S1 E4 – Katrina Smyth and Kathy Wolff: ChillCart and Future Focus

    S1 E4 – Katrina Smyth and Kathy Wolff: ChillCart and Future Focus
    Oct 23 2023
    In this episode, Katrina Smyth and Kathy Wolff discuss their roles in the Chill Cart and Future Focus programmes with Tom Thorpe. These programmes aim to provide a safe haven in areas marked by intercommunity violence and sectarian attitudes, addressing the needs of at-risk and disengaged youth. Katrina, a Good Relations Coordinator at WWA, and Kathy, a community worker, detail the strategies and methodologies employed in these programmes to achieve their objectives. They offer insights into the transformative impact of their interventions on young individuals and the complexities of delivering the Chill Cart and Future Focus programmes.
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    40 mins
  • S1 E3 – Sian Mulholland MLA: the Alliance perspective on young people and the arts

    S1 E3 – Sian Mulholland MLA: the Alliance perspective on young people and the arts
    Oct 16 2023
    This episode features an interview by Tom Thorpe with Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland, who shares her personal passion for the arts and discusses the potential consequences of proposed arts and youth funding cuts in Northern Ireland. Sian emphasizes how these cuts can negatively affect young people, their communities, and the broader arts sector, both in the short and long term. The conversation also addresses the challenges of providing accessible and sustainable extracurricular arts and creative activities for young individuals, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Furthermore, it explores the significant value of arts and technology-led participation for marginalized youth and how these initiatives can improve their lives and address prevalent challenges.
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    40 mins