"I think for me, it's just an overdue discussion. It's not something that is talked about, especially not somewhere like Hereford."

In this episode Sade and Maz are talking about the ups and downs, and dire experiences, of dating in a rural county as young women of colour. They are candid about their experiences of racism, and how they both got involved in the Black Lives Matter protest that took place in Hereford in 2020.

Please take care when listening as you might feel affected by some of the issues discussed.

P.O.V. is a youth voice programme funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation making space for rural young people to tell their stories and share their experiences in ways that will create change.

In this episode 21-year-old Chantelle and 18-year-old Elles are talking about their experiences of living with chronic pain conditions. As well as discussing the discrimination they’ve both faced and the realities of navigating the health system, they’re sharing their positivity in the face of challenge, their resilience and their hopes for the future.

“I'm always learning to keep my future open. But I think I'm a bit like you, I just want to be able to do more, I think, to even get to a place where I'm ready to go to work, or I'm ready to have my own family, I think will be amazing. Just knowing that hopefully in 10 years time, I'll be in a better place with my M.E. and I'll be in a better place for dealing with my pain.”

Please take care when listening and if you feel affected by chronic pain or any of the issues discussed in this episode, you can get support from the following places:

Pain UK is an alliance of charities providing a voice for people in pain: painuk.org

Pain Support: painsupport.co.uk/help-advice/medical-consults

NHS’s Live Well webpages: www.nhs.uk/live-well/pain/how-to-get-nhs-help-for-your-pain

In an emergency, dial 999.

P.O.V. is a youth voice programme funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation making space for rural young people to tell their stories and share their experiences in ways that will create change.

In this follow up episode, 22-year-old Rob is back to take another look at how the “Levelling Up” of small cities and towns might help young people in rural places.

This time he’s joined by Felix, who during 2021 was closely involved in the StrongerHereford Towns Fund board. The Hereford board secured £22.4million from Government to pay for capital projects led by local groups and organisations. This includes a major refurb of Castle Green Pavilion, a new skate and sports park, and investment in a School of Digital Futures at the Hereford College of Arts.

Read more at www.strongerhereford.co.uk.

P.O.V. is a youth voice and engagement programme funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, making space for rural young people to tell their stories and share their experiences in ways that will create change.