This is Us
Care leavers and estranged students
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Created by and for care experienced and estranged students, the 'This is Us' podcast focuses on having open conversations and reducing the stigma of being from a care experienced or estranged background. Host Paige Mackenzie chats to guests about their hopes for the future, what makes them who they are and what change they want to see for care experienced and estranged young people.
Available episodes
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May 15, 2023
Episode 27: Mark Riddell
It's the season finale!
To the end this season of the podcast, we've got something a bit different from the usual student and uni life chats. In this episode, Paige speaks with special guest Mark Riddell MBE.
Mark is the National Advisor for Care Leavers for the Department of Education. He has lived experience of being in care and chats openly with Paige about his own experiences and how that has led him to the amazing work that he does today to influence policy and change.
We really hope that you enjoy this episode and as always, do let us know what you think.
To find out more about the Unite Foundation scholarship visit Unite Foundation + our scholarship = This is us. (thisisusatuni.org)
To be a guest on the podcast email info@unitefoundation.org.uk
Join the This is Us community at This is Us Community (mn.co)
If you are affected by any of the topics mentioned you can visit Home - Mind or text SHOUT to 85258
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May 5, 2023
Episode 26: Cereza
This week on the podcast we've got something a bit different!
In this episode Paige and Cereza swap uni stories and chat through anonymous accounts of flatmate disasters!
Cereza graduated Queen Mary University London on the Unite Foundation scholarship and talks to Paige about next steps, making Youtube videos and her ADHD diagnosis.
To find out more about the Unite Foundation scholarship visit Unite Foundation + our scholarship = This is us. (thisisusatuni.org)
To be a guest on the podcast email info@unitefoundation.org.uk
Join the This is Us community at This is Us Community (mn.co)
If you are affected by any of the topics mentioned you can visit Home - Mind or text SHOUT to 85258
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Apr 19, 2023
Episode 25: King
Paige chats to King Balusa, who is studying Business Management and Marketing on the Unite Foundation scholarship in London. They discuss music, creativity, and King's transgender journey.
To find out more about the Unite Foundation scholarship visit Unite Foundation + our scholarship = This is us. (thisisusatuni.org)
To be a guest on the podcast email info@unitefoundation.org.uk
Join the This is Us community at This is Us Community (mn.co)
If you are affected by any of the topics mentioned you can visit Home - Mind or text SHOUT to 85258
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Apr 3, 2023
Episode 24: Lauren
In this episode Paige speaks with Lauren, who is currently studying a masters degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Edgehill University.
They chat through Lauren's experience and learnings around creative counselling, movement therapy and finding healthy ways of understanding and expressing your emotions.
To find out more about the Unite Foundation scholarship visit Unite Foundation + our scholarship = This is us. (thisisusatuni.org)
To be a guest on the podcast email info@unitefoundation.org.uk
Join the This is Us community at This is Us Community (mn.co)
If you are affected by any of the topics mentioned you can visit Home - Mind or text SHOUT to 85258
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Mar 20, 2023
Episode 23: Lisa
To launch our 5th series of the This is Us podcast, Paige chats to Lisa who is a first year global law student at Queen Mary University London.
They talk about the importance of support for care experienced young people, the journey to university and Lisa's plans for the future.
To find out more about the Unite Foundation scholarship visit Unite Foundation + our scholarship = This is us. (thisisusatuni.org)
To be a guest on the podcast email info@unitefoundation.org.uk
Join the This is Us community at https://thisisusatuni.mn.co
If you are affected by any of the topics mentioned you can visit Home - Mind or text SHOUT to 85258.
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Mar 7, 2023
Be Our Guarantor podcast special
In this special 'Be Our Guarantor' podcast episode, host Paige Mackenzie explores the issue of rent guarantors for care experienced and estranged students. She chats to Sam and Ezra who have been affected by the issue, as well as Unite Foundation director Fiona Ellison.
You can find out more about how to support and get involved in the 'Be Our Guarantor' campaign here Be Our Guarantor = Unite Foundation (thisisusatuni.org)
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Nov 9, 2022
Episode 21: Danu
In episode 21 of the This is Us podcast, Paige chats to Danu, who is studying Hispanic Studies and Comparative Literature at Queen Mary University London.
They talk about the books that made them cry, how going to university felt like a natural decision and navigating the university experience without parental support.
If you are affected by any of the issues mentioned in this podcast you can find support at http://www.mind.org.uk or text SHOUT to 85258.
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Oct 19, 2022
Episode 20: Becki
In this episode of the podcast, Paige chats to an old school friend Becki. They talk through Becki's experience of working in a school and the memories attached to her song choices by Sam Smith, Panic at the Disco and Tom Odell.
Please note that this episode contains discussions of substance abuse and domestic disturbance. If you are affected by any of these issues, you can find support at http://www.mind.org.uk or text SHOUT to 85258.
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Jul 20, 2022
Episode 19: Saeed
In this episode of the podcast, Paige chats to Saeed Atcha about challenges at university, his career journey and his self-confessed obsession with Taylor Swift!
Saeed studied PR and Marketing at university and is the founder of Youth Leads UK, an award-winning charity that supports young people. You can find out more here Home - Youth Leads
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Jun 6, 2022
Episode 18: Aura
In this episode of the podcast, Paige chats to Aura, an estranged student at the University of Bristol. They talk about the importance of education, how they navigated the challenges of lockdown and Aura's love for Bristol. Aura also talks about the importance of community and finding the right people to create a strong support system.
Please note that this episode contains talk of substance abuse, domestic disturbance, alcoholism, and addiction. If you have been affected by any of these issues Mind charity http://www.mind.org.uk can offer you support and you can also text SHOUT to 85258.
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May 20, 2022
Episode 17: Daniel
[TW] We're back with a brand-new series! In the first episode of our 4th series, Paige chats to Daniel who is currently studying criminology and forensic psychology at Kingston University London. They chat about mental health, trying to be vegetarian and the 3 songs he associates with different aspects of his life.
Please note that this episode discusses self-harm, addiction, mental health and suicide. If you have been affected by any of these topics Mind charity http://www.mind.org.uk can offer you support and you can also text SHOUT to 85258.
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Aug 16, 2021
Episode 16: Sedil
In the latest episode of This is Us, Paige chats to Sedil, who’s in her final year at Newcastle University studying Civil Engineering. Sedil is going to be specialising in transport (think railways and airports) and, for her, being a woman in engineering is a big deal!
Sedil and Paige talk about the differences between the North and South of England and how Sedil was keen to leave London for a fresh start but is looking forward to returning, to study for her Masters, taking with her all that she has learned and experienced at university so far.
Their conversation is guided by Mac Miller, Avelino and Gaidaa and, throughout, touches on the subject of mental health. If you or anyone you know is struggling you can contact Mind at mind.org.uk
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Jun 24, 2021
Episode 15: Leah
As she finishes her final year studying Event Management at Leeds Beckett University, Leah talks to Paige about her experiences as an estranged student; the challenges, the opportunities and finding a sense of community.
Guided by Simple Plan, Chaka Khan and Biffy Clyro, Leah and Paige talk about how important music is to them both, look back on festival memories and Leah looks forward to her upcoming move to London to make her way in the events industry.
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Mar 25, 2021
Episode 14: Jamie
[TW] A very special episode of the This is Us podcast this week, we welcome Paige's sister, Jamie! Paige and Jamie talk about growing up together, their different paths in life and their university experiences - while she may not have enrolled at LJMU, Jamie felt very at home there! Look forward to some beautiful duets and late night tales, inspired by Pink, Kate Nash and Neiked.
NOTE: Just to let you know Paige and Jamie do touch on the topics of addiction and suicide. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk) is a brilliant charity that can offer support or you can also text SHOUT to 85258, they're there for you 24/7.
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Mar 10, 2021
Episode 13: Josh
Having recently graduated, Josh talks to Paige about his journey to uni (literally arriving in his Corsa!), his time studying Politics, a visit to Parliament and his current role with his local authority working to make a difference for young people leaving care. DJ Ironik, Drake and Polo G take us on an emotional musical ride!
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Feb 16, 2021
Episode 12: Jax
It's the first episode of our 3rd series! Paige talks to Journalism student, Jax, about self confidence and belief, nights out in Aberdeen and Jax's work with This is Us, raising awareness of food insecurity through the #DineInFor2Pounds campaign - with the 1975, The Magician and Lil Peep for company!
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Dec 22, 2020
Episode 11: Emily
In the final episode of 2020 Paige chats to Emily who's studying International Business and Marketing at De Montfort University. Emily talks about her experience being part of the Unite Foundation and her role in the recent rebrand and launch of This is Us, starring in the movie of her own life and Emily and Paige discuss their shared love of Justin Bieber!
This chat is guided by Dave and Fredo, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, naturally.
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Dec 9, 2020
Episode 10: Lewis
In this episode of This is Us, Lewis chats to Paige about the power of a positive mindset, his reconnection with his parents, defying expectations and the society he’s setting up for care experienced and estranged students in Manchester – with Miguel, Tame Impala and Big Sean for company.
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Nov 24, 2020
Episode 9: Stephen
In Episode 3 or our second series, Stephen – a 3rd year Graphic Design student at DMU – talks to Paige about relationships, his journey to and through university and discovering his career path – with some little detours along the way. Sometimes you need to try the things you don’t want, to find the things you do! Their chat is guided by Coldplay, Talamasca and Hard-Fi.
Stephen has been integral in creating the visual identity for this podcast and the wider This is Us brand – led by the students on the Unite Foundation scholarship. Look up @thisisusatuni across social media and visit thisisusatuni.org for more information about the scholarship.
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Nov 9, 2020
Episode 8: Tiyana
In episode 2 of our second series, Paige chats to Tiyana who's studying at Kings College London and keeps very busy alongside her studies as a stylist on fashion shoots and music videos and writing for Woman to Woman.
Paige and Tiyana discuss feminism, racism, meeting parents for the first time and the power of being true to and confident in yourself. Their chat is guided by Sevana, Kelis and Andre 3000 and DaBaby - your homework is to listen to Off the Rip!
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Oct 7, 2020
Episode 7: Paige and Beki
Hello and welcome to series 2 of the This is Us podcast! We're starting the season with something a little bit different. In this first episode, Paige chats to Beki from the Unite Foundation. There's a lot of talk about tea (it's serious business), Paige and Beki's respective university experiences and a bit of an intro to the podcast if you've not listened before.
Hope everyone is settling into uni life. We'll be back with the usual format in a fortnight with our first student guest of the new term!
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Jun 22, 2020
Episode 6: Kayleigh
In episode 6, Kayleigh (who graduated last year and is now a paediatric nurse) and Paige reminisce about the beautiful city of Liverpool, making the most of student opportunities and the importance of having good friends around you who understand where you come from. Via the Beatles, Otis Reading and Married Life from the Disney movie, Up, they talk about how great hugs are, life working on the ward and Kayleigh's amazing (and a little bit famous) Granda.
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Jun 5, 2020
Episode 5: Connor
"Imagine the only high school in a run-down town, left abandoned by austerity. Now imagine a twelve-year-old in a music lesson, about to perform a punk-rock song for the class. He doesn’t really understand the lyrics, but something resonates with him...". In Episode 5 of This Is Us, Creative Writing student, Connor, takes Paige on a journey through school, Liverpool and Wales with Green Day, The Devil Makes Three, and Will Wood and the Tapeworms for company.
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May 13, 2020
Episode 4: David
David is in his first year at Glasgow Caledonian University studying Social Work. He talks to Paige about art, poetry, his chosen path of study and what it's like to go to university as a mature student. They also talk about the importance of role models, how they can't wait to party when lockdown is lifted and how you can't fail to feel good listening to Nina Simone. The conversation is guided by Lewis Capaldi, Linkin Park and Nina - of course!
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Apr 30, 2020
Episode 3: Nyomi
In Episode 3, Paige meets Nyomi, an Event Management student at Manchester Metropolitan University. Nyomi talks about her course, her friends, going out in Manchester and the virtual events she's organising for students during lockdown. Their conversation is guided by The Courteeners, Ariana Grande and the Kooks - who all hold a special place in Manchester's heart as well as Nyomi's!
NOTE: This episode does touch on some sensitive content on the subject of assault. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, Victim Support is a great independent charity that can offer support or point you in the right direction, you can find them at victimsupport.org.uk.
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Apr 16, 2020
Episode 2: Diana
In Episode 2, Paige chats to Diana who's studying Medical Science at De Montfort University in Leicester. Diana talks about her studies, extra curricular activities and what it's like to be alone in halls on lockdown - guided by James Bay, Hailee Steinfeld and Paramore.
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Mar 19, 2020
Episode 1: Maddie
Paige is reunited with her good friend Maddie, they studied together at Liverpool John Moores University. Guided by Judy Garland, Ben Howard and Little Mix, they discuss everything from UCAS applications and teacher training through to matching tattoos and why the world needs Lizzo.
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