Joining the Dots - Episode 12 - Stroke, Skin Cancer and the Choir of Man

Joining the Dots - Episode 17 - Samaritans and protecting ourselves and our pets in the heat

We all know the name Samaritans [https://www.samaritans.org/wales/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/], and many of us know what they do - or do we? We hear from Adam, a volunteer with the Samaritans. Our conversation follows on from last week’s loneliness awareness theme and we discover more about the charity, what it takes to be a volunteer and why the Samaritans are always available for those who want to talk. Samaritans provide a listening service 24/7 for those who want to talk. Whatever you're going through, the call to them is free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. And, as we in Wales and the rest of the UK experience a heatwave, there are some useful reminders on keeping cool, whether you are a human or an animal. Advice from the Met Office includes: * Keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am to 3pm when the sun is the strongest * Drink plenty of fluids * Close your curtains in rooms that face the sun * Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk. * If you are going out, take water with you, keep in the shade, wear sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat And animal charities, including Dogs Trust [https://www.dogstrust.ie/about-us/media-centre/dogs-trust-warns-of-danger-of-walking-dogs-in-heat] and RSPCA [https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/summer], warn against walking dogs in extreme heat and offer advice on keeping pets safe, including: * Making sure they have shade * Giving them constant access to fresh water * Putting ice cubes in their water bowl * Giving them damp towels to lie on

Joining the Dots - Episode 16 - Loneliness, how can we build connections?

Loneliness Awareness Week, an important date in the calendar and a time for us to focus on what the World Health Organisation [https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection/report] has called a pressing global health threat. Its report on social connection showed that social isolation and loneliness are widespread, with serious but under-recognized impacts on health, well-being, and society. It called for social health to be treated with the same urgency as physical and mental health. Dealing with loneliness isn’t just about joining a club, making a phone call, reaching out to others - although we know those things can help. At the men's mental health hub Helpu [https://helpu.org.uk/], one of their founding principles is 'connection is protection', ie strong, healthy relationships can keep us safe, supported and resilient during times of difficulty. We also heard from Natalie Ereira-Guyer, of Steps to Togetherness [https://www.civilsocietytogether.org/32-steps], a national grassroots organisation seeking to help build connections.

Joining the Dots - Episode 15 - Volunteers Week (Part 2)

Where would we be without volunteers? What would happen to many of our charities and community-focused organisations without the people who give up their time to keep them running? If you volunteer, THANK YOU, for all that you do and for the sacrifices you make. We're continuing to celebrate those who give to our communities ... We're shining a light on some of those who give their time and energy, expertise and commitment to help others. We hear from volunteers at the Salvation Army donation centre [https://salvationarmytrading.org.uk/location/cardiff/] in Cardiff, as well as representatives from Hope Rescue [https://www.hoperescue.org.uk/] and Wales Air Ambulance [https://www.walesairambulance.com/]. University of South Wales Media, Culture and Journalism student, Rosie Clay [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-clay-90504b256/], has been busy interviewing volunteers at the Salvation Army donation centre, finding out why they give up their time to help and what they get out of it. Vanessa Waddon, the CEO of Hope Rescue, shares a message of thanks for the selfless work of volunteers in helping discarded and mistreated dogs across south Wales. And we hear from Steven Stokes, director of strategic communications at Wales Air Ambulance, about the impact volunteers have on the charity.

Joining the Dots - Episode 14 - Volunteers Week

It's Volunteers Week [https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/news/latest-news/volunteers-week-2026-thank-you-to-our-health-board-volunteers/], a time when we celebrate the people who volunteer across a host of charities and organisations and remember that without them, many of the things we take for granted simply wouldn’t happen. So, a huge shout out to those of you who volunteer and a big thank you for all you do. Volunteering Wales [https://volunteering-wales.net/] is the place to start if you want to dip your toe into volunteering but you also want help to identify what and where is best for you. They aim to make volunteering easy for volunteers and organisations across the country and there are loads of volunteering opportunities on their website . They currently have 2622 advertised and the opportunities range from befriending to being a Welsh translator to a support assistant, a driver, sitting on a youth-led grant panel to being an oral history recorder. Here at Hospital Radio Glamorgan [https://www.radioglamorgan.com/presenters/], our station is run entirely by volunteers, that means everyone on air and off it gives up some of their time to keep our station running, online, in the hospitals and on DAB and via our app. And on this show, some of our volunteers share what being able to contribute to the station means to them. Jayne Jones [https://www.radioglamorgan.com/2023/07/05/jaynes-running-the-cardiff-half-marathon/] wakes us up on a Sunday morning and she’s on air between 7-10am. Jayne is a huge music fan and also contributes specialist music shows across the station. Jayne is also a runner and has run to raise money for HRG. Andrew Woolfe is the voice who brings us Music Was My First Love [https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/news/latest-news/hospital-radio-glamorgan-awards-long-serving-volunteer-with-honorary-life-membership/]. He's had some incredible guests over the years. The programme is now into its eighth series and we hear from one of its latest guests and our oldest volunteer, John Webber [https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/news/latest-news/hospital-radio-glamorgan-awards-long-serving-volunteer-with-honorary-life-membership/]. Saturday Matinee's Jill Brinkworth also shares her reasons for volunteering at HRG and beyond. Jill is also fundraising for the station this month (June) by cycling the 54 miles from London to Brighton. You can support Jill HERE [https://www.radioglamorgan.com/2026/05/06/jills-cycle-challenge/]. We hear from the station's chair, Jamie Pritchard, too. Jamie has broadcasting in his blood and he shares how volunteering at Hospital Radio Glamorgan started and what the station has meant to him over more than two decades of involvement.

Joining the Dots - Episode 13 - Disappointed but not defeated and do you meditate?

Our weekly mix of informative, uplifting and interesting conversation designed to help us join the dots in life. We’re onto programme 13 of this relatively new show. Unlucky for some, but not for us! Our focus is on accepting disappointment without feeling defeated. University of South Wales Sports Journalism final year student Sam Hill [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-hill-j/] spoke to Rosie Eccles [https://teamwales.cymru/people/rosie-eccles/], the Welsh light middleweight boxer who is the epitome of strength, decency and determination. Sadly, she’s had to give up on her Olympic dream, but she won’t let that define her. Hers is a story of inspiration. And we mark May's World Meditation Day with a look at the NHS information [https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/how-to-meditate-for-beginners/] on meditation and what the benefits of it are. There are many, many groups available and lots of meditations accessible online.