A Conversation with The Samaritans

Pride Month: Proud Chat - What is Pride?

Welcome to the Matalan People Podcast, celebrating the everyday heroes who make Matalan what it is. This episode is brought to you by the Proud Colleague Network. Today, we’re diving into a powerful conversation about Pride—where it began, what it stands for, and why it remains so important. From the history of the Stonewall riots to the realities faced by LGBTQ+ communities today, our colleagues share honest reflections on protest, celebration, visibility, and the work still to be done. Join us as we explore what Pride truly means, past and present, and how we can all play a part in creating a more inclusive future.

DEAF AWARENESS WEEK: LIVING AND WORKING WITH HEARING LOSS

Welcome to the Matalan People Podcast — celebrating the everyday heroes who make Matalan what it is. This episode is brought to you by the Maskateers Colleague Network. In this episode, we mark Deaf Awareness Week with an honest conversation about lived experience, accessibility, and inclusion. Sophie Bell is joined by Cassie from our Talent Development team, who shares her journey of living and working with hearing loss — and the small actions that can make a big difference for us all.

The Retail Trust

Today, we’re marking International Men’s Day and celebrating the first anniversary of the MataMen Network! To honour the moment, Dual Site Manager Fliss Jones sits down with Lauren Smith from the Retail Trust — a support service available to all Matalan colleagues, even though we know men often turn to it less than others. In this episode, they’ll explore what the Retail Trust does, who they can support, and the wide range of help they offer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to recognise those affected, celebrate the survivors, and raise awareness about early detection, treatment, and support. In. this episode, Abbie Clements sits down with Julia Hassall, who shares her personal journey with breast cancer — from the moment she was diagnosed, to how she managed work during treatment, through to her surgery and eventual return to work.Together, they explore what it means to balance recovery, resilience, and everyday life

Sean's Place

In this episode, Andrew Leong sits down with Debbi Rogers, the inspiring founder of Sean’s Place, a mental health charity created in memory of her brother, Sean, who tragically lost his life to suicide. Debbi shares her deeply personal journey, the challenges she faced, and the determination that led her to build a safe, supportive space for men struggling with their mental health. We talk about the vital work Sean’s Place does in breaking down stigma, providing community and connection, and offering hope to those who may feel alone. This conversation is both moving and uplifting, reminding us of the strength that can come from loss and the importance of support networks in saving lives. If you or someone you know is struggling, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that help, and hope are always within reach.