"I think for me, it's just an overdue discussion. It's not something that is talked about, especially not somewhere like Hereford." In this episode Sade and Maz are talking about the ups and downs, and dire experiences, of dating in a rural county as young women of colour. They are candid about their experiences of racism, and how they both got inv…

In this episode 21-year-old Chantelle and 18-year-old Elles are talking about their experiences of living with chronic pain conditions. As well as discussing the discrimination they’ve both faced and the realities of navigating the health system, they’re sharing their positivity in the face of challenge, their resilience and their hopes for the fut…

In this follow up episode, 22-year-old Rob is back to take another look at how the “Levelling Up” of small cities and towns might help young people in rural places. This time he’s joined by Felix, who during 2021 was closely involved in the StrongerHereford Towns Fund board. The Hereford board secured £22.4million from Government to pay for capital…

In this episode 22-year-old Rob looks at whether “Levelling Up” small cities and towns will help the young people who live there. He interviews Kath and Lauren who are members of the StrongerHereford Towns Fund board, and wants to know how Government money coming into Hereford through the Towns Fund Scheme will make a difference. Hereford is receiv…

In this episode Maz, aged 25, talks about her experiences of going through the care system in Herefordshire - a story of resilience and survival. From different foster parents to learning to live independently, Maz is candid about how care affected her and made her the young woman she is today. “I learned how to fight for things, I learned how to u…

In this episode 18-year-old Charlie talks about how volunteering has changed her life. She interviews youth worker Tammy about the EPIC volunteering programme based at Close House, a drop-in youth centre in Hereford city. Charlie hopes that by sharing her experience more people will help out the communities where they live. “I wouldn't have met as …

In this episode gap year students Rob and Charlotte talk about their experience as choral scholars. The friends, who moved to Hereford especially to study music, talk about the wellbeing benefits of singing and listening to music. “I feel it a really fantastic way of just disconnecting from the busy rush of the day. To just sit back and relax and t…

In this episode 17-year-old Lola interviews Sarah, who works with West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, about safety on our streets and protecting young people, particularly people who identify as women, from sexual violence. They talk about sex and relationship education, as well as the challenge of myths and stereotypes. Topics discus…

In this episode Jeremy talks to us about what it’s been like to have social workers in his life since he was three years old. He’s joined by Debbie, who has been supporting him for more than 10 years. “I was actually nervous at the time. I didn’t know what to say, didn’t know what to think: ‘who’s this woman, going to rock up into my house’. I said…

In this episode young creative Harvey talks to Charlie, who has been a recovery worker, about drug and alcohol use among rural young people. They discuss their own experiences as well as County Lines - the movement of illegal drugs from one area to another often across county borders. Harvey and Charlie are also poets and catch up about what it’s l…

The Point of View podcast is produced by Rural Media as part of the P.O.V. project funded by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. P.O.V. creates space for 14-25 year olds living in the rural counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire to tell their stories in ways that create change. Head to www.pointofviewrural.com to see what else we’re up to…