SOUTHPOD

Co-Building Hope in Social Work – World Social Work Day 2026

In this special Southpod episode for World Social Work Day 2026, we explore this year’s global theme: “Co-Building Hope and Harmony – A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.” Social workers play a vital role in supporting individuals, families and communities through some of life’s most challenging moments. In this conversation, colleagues from across our services reflect on what it means to build hope in everyday practice — from working in GP surgeries and integrated care teams to supporting people during times of crisis and recovery. We also hear directly from Hayley, a service user, who shares how the support of her social work team helped her rebuild independence following major surgery, highlighting the power of relationships, compassion and small acts of support. Together, these voices show how hope is not just a concept, but something that is created through partnership, understanding and community. Join us as we recognise the impact of social work and the importance of working together to support healthier, more connected communities.

Nutritional Standards in Health and Social Care - Making good food choices simple

In this episode we're joined by the Southern Trust Nutritional Standards Coordinator Dorota Culbert and Public Health Dietitian Collette O'Brien as they discuss the introduction of the HSC Nutritional Standards across facilities in the organisation.  They explore what the standards mean in practice, how they support healthier choices for staff and visitors and the challenges and successes of putting them into action.  Whether you are staff or involved in catering, or just curious about improving nutrition for staff or visitors in healthcare settings, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating a healthier food environment across the Trust.  More information on the Public Health Dietitians YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@publichealthdietitians9636?si=pjmyqn7iCcSNcXQ9 #HSC #MakingADifference

Workplace Wellbeing Team

On the latest edition of SOUTHPOD we’re joined by our Workplace Wellbeing Team to learn about the team and their roles, the support they’re offering our staff and impact they’re seeing their support have on teams across the Trust.  We also learn about the role of our Wellbeing Champions and how the team are supporting them to keep wellbeing in the minds of staff.

The Community Addiction Service

We start the year off with a great incentive to get healthier. The Public Health Agency [https://facebook.com/138007436233900]'s #DryJanuary campaign is to support and encourage people to abstain from drinking alcohol for the whole month. Read more here https://drugsandalcoholni.info/campaigns/djfgf/ [https://drugsandalcoholni.info/campaigns/djfgf/] Alcohol remains our number one drug of choice in Northern Ireland and we’re highlighting the work of our Community Addiction Service in our latest podcast episode on SOUTHPOD. Staff reflect on the challenges of substance dependency, the power of recovery and the life changing support available to those who need it most. 🎧Listen now and hear about ✔The vital role of the Community Addiction Service ✔Inspiring stories from service users in recovery ✔More on how referrals are made to the service #AddictionRecovery #CommunitySupport #HSC #MakingADifference

Parents, not toys, can make a big impact on children’s speech and language development

Our Speech and Language therapist Debi, who works within Sure Start, shares valuable insights on how parents can play a pivotal role in their child's speech and language development. And how the benefits of focusing on how simple interactions during everyday activities can significantly enhance and help children thrive in speech and language development rather than relying solely on toys or digital devices.