Trigger warning - this podcast episode references the following themes: Youth violence, knife crime, racism, suicidal ideation, abuse, grooming and exploitation.

Ryan Goodenough is an advocate for young people and men’s mental health. Using lived experience mixed with professional experience Ryan works as a Senior Youth Worker at Didcot TRAIN and in 2022 founded HisMind, a mental health network for men. In this episode Ryan explains his perspectives on the link between youth violence, identity and mental health.

Based on lived experience, Ryan also talks about how gaps in young people’s needs may increase the risk of exploitation and involvement in crime. Passionate about re-shaping negative and harmful assumptions about young people, Ryan talks about the impact of sensationalism, racism and the media, and finally the importance of listening to young people and working alongside them. ----more----

If you are concerned about a young person at risk of exploitation or involvement in criminal activity the following organisations may be able to offer support, guidance or intervention:

The Kingfisher Team (Oxford) - 01865 309196.

Targeted Youth Support Service (Oxfordshire) https://oxme.info/life/targeted-youth-support-service

NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Other organisations mentioned in the podcast:

https://www.didcottrain.org.uk/

https://www.hismind.org/

https://www.mentivity.com/

For more information or support contact wellbeing@sofea.uk.com or visit the SOFEA website www.sofea.uk.com