In Episode 17 of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty reflects on past episodes, highlighting expert insights into mental health, wellness, first aid, and workplace inclusivity. Featuring diverse guests, the episode revisits key discussions from topics such as CPR's life-saving impact to breaking menopause stigma and fostering neurodiversity in the workplace.

Key Takeaways

Practical CPR Training Saves Lives: Consistent first aid training equips individuals with the skills to

act confidently in emergencies, reinforcing its importance across communities and schools.

Breaking Menopause Stigma: Open conversations and education about menopause reduce shame and foster understanding, especially regarding its physical and emotional impacts.

Workplace Wellness and Mental Health: Effective wellness strategies go beyond surface-level activities, addressing core stressors and building sustainable habits.

Inclusivity Through Neurodiversity: Employers benefit by recognizing the strengths of neurodivergent employees and creating supportive, anxiety-reducing environments.

Key Moments

“Practical CPR skills can make the difference between life and death. It’s vital for everyone, including children, to learn them.”

“Menopause conversations often carry stigma, but education helps break barriers and supports affected individuals.”

“True wellness starts with addressing daily habits and mental health stressors, not just offering one-off activities.”

“Neurodiversity isn’t a challenge to manage; it’s an asset that brings diverse perspectives and strengths to the workplace.”

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at www.jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 16 of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty revisits highlights from the series, featuring a variety of guests discussing topics ranging from holistic practices and mental health to financial resilience and cybersecurity.

Key Takeaways

Reiki for Holistic Healing: Practitioners Karen Gibson and Lucy Jordan explain that Reiki balances the mind, body, and spirit by using universal energy. It promotes relaxation, which aids the body's natural healing process, especially for stress and anxiety.

Overcoming Anxiety: Hypnotherapist and coach Sean shares his journey of addressing anxiety by uncovering childhood trauma. His transformative story highlights the power of self-understanding and professional support in reclaiming mental well-being.

The Power of Breathwork: Carmel Hughes emphasises how reconnecting with functional breathing can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional health through mindful practices.

Building Financial Resilience: Karen Hagan advises on creating emergency funds, budgeting, and evaluating insurance protection as crucial steps for financial security, especially for low-income families.

Cybersecurity Essentials: Detective Inspector Michelle Owen recommends strong passwords, using password managers, and enabling multi-factor authentication to safeguard personal and organisational data.

Animal-Inspired Life Lessons: Author Jessica Radford uses her Animal Advisor book series to address issues like resilience, self-worth, and determination, teaching children and adults alike to face life's challenges with courage and creativity.

Key Moments

“Reiki takes us out of fight or flight mode and into a calm, restorative state that helps the body heal itself.” (Karen Gibson and Lucy Jordan, Episode 3)

“I woke up one day and realized I had to choose between ending my life or seeking help. That decision saved me.” (Sean, Episode 4)

“Breathwork is about noticing your breath, slowing it down, and reconnecting with the natural rhythm that calms the mind and body.” (Carmel Hughes, Episode 12)

“Even a small emergency fund provides financial resilience to handle unexpected challenges like a broken appliance.” (Karen Hagan, Episode 5)

“Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication are simple yet powerful tools for cybersecurity.” (Michelle Owen, Episode 6)

“Being brave means breaking away from the norm and finding your own way to overcome challenges.” (Jessica Radford, Episode 7)

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 15 of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty welcomes Mo Bury, Managing Director of Momentum Training and Development and a behavioural change specialist, to discuss neurodiversity in the workplace. Mo shares her expertise on conditions such as dyslexia, Tourette's, and dyspraxia, emphasising the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals and practical workplace adjustments to empower them. The conversation provides valuable insights into fostering inclusivity, reducing stigma, and unlocking the potential of diverse brains in professional settings.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Neurodiversity: Neurodivergent conditions like dyslexia, Tourette's, and dyspraxia are not disabilities but differences in how individuals process and perceive the world.

Practical Workplace Adjustments: Simple and often cost-free accommodations—such as voice-to-text software, flexible seating, and sensory-friendly environments—can significantly enhance productivity and comfort.

Strengths of Neurodivergent Individuals: These individuals often bring creativity, empathy, resilience, and unique problem-solving abilities to their roles, offering tremendous value to workplaces.

Reducing Stigma: Awareness training and open communication are critical to dispelling misconceptions and creating an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity.

Key Moments

“Dyslexia isn’t a weakness; it’s an incredible strength when you focus on the individual’s unique abilities.”

“For someone with Tourette’s, the best thing you can do is ignore the tic and let them get on with their day.”

“Neurodivergence isn’t a disability; it’s a different way of thinking—like comparing an Apple phone to an Android.”

About the guest

Mo Bury specialises in helping people shift their perspectives to drive meaningful change. Mo offers support for businesses facing challenges like managers struggling to achieve results, leaders who aren’t inspiring followership, disconnected teams, or an "us vs. them" culture across silos. By collaborating closely, Mo creates tailored solutions—whether one-time events, comprehensive training programs, or personalised coaching—to transform perspectives and, ultimately, behaviours.

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 14 of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty is joined by Lizzie Leek, Director of Post 16 for Three Spires Trust. They delve into the integration of first aid and mental health training within educational settings. Lizzie shares insights on the importance of equipping students with these essential skills to prepare them for real-world challenges, bolster their confidence, and create a supportive environment that reduces stigma around mental health. This episode highlights the trust’s innovative approach, ensuring students leave school with vital, life-saving knowledge and an edge in competitive career paths.

Key Takeaways

Embedding first aid and mental health training in the curriculum empowers students with practical skills to help their communities and peers.

Confidence-building through hands-on sessions enables students to respond effectively to real-life situations, from injuries to mental health crises.

Creating peer leadership opportunities, such as mental health ambassadors, helps foster a culture of openness and reduces stigma surrounding mental health.

These training sessions provide students with standout skills for CVs, giving them an advantage in competitive post-education pathways.

Key Moments

“Students really feel value-added after the sessions, realising they’ve gained skills that could genuinely save a life.”

“For me, it’s not just about knowledge—it’s building confidence. The students who were once on the sidelines now take ownership in emergencies.”

“Why wouldn’t you invest in such skills? Every student leaving school with first aid training could transform community safety.”

About the guest

Lizzie Leek is an experienced curriculum and pastoral leader who now oversees Post-16 partnerships across the Three Spires Trust. As the strategic lead for Post-16 development, she focuses on fostering collaboration between St Peter’s and St Regis while championing innovative curriculum pathways. Over the past three years, Lizzie has transformed the academic offerings at St Peter’s, ensuring students are equipped for success. A dedicated geography teacher, Lizzie is passionate about helping students achieve exceptional personal and academic outcomes.

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 13 of the JPF First Aid podcast, host John Fogarty and guest Mo Bury discuss neurodiversity in the workplace, focusing on ADHD and dyscalculia. They explore the unique strengths and challenges of individuals with these conditions, such as ADHD's creativity and high energy levels, alongside potential organisational difficulties. They also offer practical strategies for workplace support, like task structuring and technology tools. Emphasising awareness and inclusivity, they advocate for reasonable adjustments that allow neurodivergent employees to thrive without the strain of conforming to neurotypical standards.

Key Takeaways

The episode highlights ADHD and dyscalculia as unique brain types, bringing both strengths (like creativity and problem-solving) and challenges (such as focus issues and numerical difficulties) to the workplace.

Simple workplace adjustments—like shorter tasks, time management tools for ADHD, and calculator access for dyscalculia—can greatly support neurodivergent employees, allowing them to perform effectively.

Promoting neurodiversity awareness helps create inclusive environments, where employees feel comfortable working in ways suited to their cognitive needs rather than masking as neurotypical.

Key moments

“We can be sure that if we understand a person’s individual processing style, then in the workplace, we can support them around that rather than trying to make them fit a square peg into the proverbial round hole."

"Something as simple as allowing people to move around the office. It can be hugely helpful. Or stand up in meetings… if I can think better standing up, why would that be a problem?"

"If you had somebody who was partially sighted and they were working for you… you would think it perfectly reasonable to make a few adjustments. In the same way, if a person was walking with crutches, just a few simple things. But we do that because we understand those things. The challenge is people not understanding what it’s like to have a brain that works differently to the majority."

About the guest

Mo Bury specialises in helping people shift their perspectives to drive meaningful change. Mo offers support for businesses facing challenges like managers struggling to achieve results, leaders who aren’t inspiring followership, disconnected teams, or an "us vs. them" culture across silos. By collaborating closely, Mo creates tailored solutions—whether one-time events, comprehensive training programs, or personalised coaching—to transform perspectives and, ultimately, behaviours.

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 12 of the JPF First Aid Podcast, John Fogarty hosts breathwork expert Carmel Hughes, who discusses the importance of breathwork for mental and physical well-being. Carmel explains how our breath patterns change with stress and lifestyle, often creating unhealthy habits. She shares techniques to reconnect with functional breathing to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional health. Carmel also leads a simple breath exercise, encouraging listeners to tailor breathwork practices to their needs. Finally, she emphasises the value of consistent practice and introduces her upcoming online course on breathwork and stress management.

Key Takeaways

Breathwork aids in managing stress and emotions by consciously adjusting breath to send calming signals through the nervous system.

Recognising negative thought habits allows for better mental control, impacting emotions, behaviours, and physical health.

Regular, adaptable breathwork tailored to individual needs fosters sustainable mental and physical well-being.

Key moments

“Our thoughts control our emotions, and our emotions control our behaviour. So if we’re aware of all this...being aware that this is happening...we can actually interrupt this thinking style.”

“Meet yourself where you are and give yourself what you need. And from minute to minute, that is simply going to change for every single one of us.”

“Control the controllables...and when you start the awareness, be kind and gentle to yourself, and don’t beat yourself up...because we are now learning another new skill, and until we’ve learned something, it simply isn’t automatic.”

About the guest

Carmel Hughes is a dedicated Breathwork and Mindset Facilitator who empowers individuals to harness the power of breath and mindset for enhanced well-being, reduced stress, and improved performance. Her approach combines insights from neuroscience, positive psychology, and mindfulness, helping clients build sustainable wellness routines. In her personalised sessions, Carmel guides clients in integrating lasting techniques into daily life, fostering resilience and mental clarity. She also collaborates with organisations to create wellness programs that reduce anxiety, promote psychosocial safety, and elevate workplace engagement. Known for her friendly, accessible style, Carmel tailors wellness frameworks that nurture thriving, positive work cultures.

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the JPF Podcast, host John Fogarty speaks to Mo Bury who runs Momentum Training. They offer neurodiversity in the workplace training, transformative coaching, and insights into behaviour and culture change, as well as conference speaking.

Mo Bury highlights how neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, often face unique challenges in the workplace and recruitment.

Key Takeaways

Autistic people tend to struggle with idioms, metaphors, and social conventions like hierarchy, making it harder for them to navigate traditional corporate settings.

Sensory overwhelm and "masking" to fit in socially can also be exhausting. Mo advocates for simple, cost-free adjustments, such as creating quiet spaces, allowing flexibility with social interactions, and offering advanced notice of changes.

Reasonable accommodations not only help neurodivergent individuals thrive but can also benefit the entire workforce, improving productivity and reducing anxiety.

Key moments

“Neurodivergent individuals often have incredible strengths that can be game-changers in the workplace."

"It's not about fixing neurodiversity; it's about creating environments where everyone can thrive."

"The key is understanding that flexibility and support are essential to unlock hidden potential."

"Neurodivergent talent brings fresh perspectives that drive innovation and problem-solving."

About the guest

When Mo first learned about neurodiversity, she was convinced that she was neurotypical. The more Mo learned, the more she recognised it in herself and had a lot of, "oh that makes sense" moments. She joined the ADHD UK Facebook group and she says it was like she'd suddenly found a group of people just like her, with the same frustrations and challenges. At 59 Mo says she doesn't feel the need for medication so is in no rush (private diagnosis costs a lot) and is happy to continue learning how she can work with her brain to help it be healthier and function better whilst she waits on the NHS list for a diagnosis, which will be about 2 years.

Mo has gone through her whole life not knowing that her brain likes to do things differently to other people and she has beaten herself up for all the silly things that it didn't do so well. When she became "aware" everything changed. Mo put systems in place to help support what her brain doesn't like doing and stopped being mean to herself when it messes up occasionally.

The Thrive Neurodiversity & Mental Health Neurodiversity training Mo delivers in one global organisation is helping other people become aware of just how easy it is to make the world a better place for those brains that don't fit into the majority box, so everyone can be at their best at work.

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Fogarty discusses the importance of CPR, emphasising that it stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and is crucial for keeping blood and oxygen circulating to vital organs. He explains the "chain of survival," starting with early recognition and calling for help, followed by CPR, defibrillation, and post-resuscitation care. John notes that confidence in performing CPR is low, with only 51% of people feeling prepared.

Carrie Bacciocchi joins the episode to highlight the real-world impact of CPR training, reinforcing the need for consistent education. CPR, combined with defibrillation, significantly improves survival chances in emergencies.

Key Takeaways

CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is vital for maintaining blood flow and oxygen to vital organs, improving a casualty's chances of survival.

Early recognition, calling for help, starting CPR, and using a defibrillator are crucial steps in the "chain of survival" to improve outcomes for cardiac arrest victims.

Performing CPR can be both physically exhausting and emotionally intense, with adrenaline playing a key role during emergencies, followed by a need for post-event support.

Key moments

John: “If (you take) anything from this podcast, please go out and learn those all important life saving skills”.

John: “if we can get an early defibrillation involved, which is step three of that chain of survival, that then helps to restart the heart, where it then looks at analysing the heart rhythm and see whether that is in a shockable rhythm to then restart that heart”.

Carrie: “Unfortunately, we did have to go to defib, so I was talked through by the person on the other end of the phone while we waited for the ambulance to arrive”.

Carrie: So something very simple that could have been looked after quickly and dealt with went on to life saving actions needing to be taken.

About the guest

Carrie Bacciocchi is self-employed with a background in education, she supports children who struggle with attending school. After discovering Utility Warehouse in 2014, where she saved on bills, she found an opportunity to earn residual income by helping others save money.

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.