Four young people have been recognised by Herefordshire Council for their part in creating the award winning ‘Health Uncovered’ podcast series, Phoebe, Carey, Jordan and James were presented with a framed certificate by Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, in recognition of their contribution towards an award winning ‘Health Uncovered’ podcast series.

The podcasts, hosted by BBC TV and radio personality Cel Spellman, covered a range of different topics that affect young people, from sexual health, bullying and grooming to substance misuse, mental health and the pressure of social media.

The four young people took part in recording the fifth podcast in the series, entitled ‘Mental health: Are you okay?’ which provided them with the opportunity to talk openly and honestly about their personal experiences with their own mental health.

The series proved to be a huge hit, resulting in it being a finalist in the ’Best Podcast’ category at the national Arias awards for the UK’s audio and radio industry held in October in Leeds. The nomination saw the podcast series compete with the likes of celebrity Radio Presenter, Fearne Cotton and four other well-known broadcasters from across the UK. The team walked away with silver as runners up, narrowly being pipped to the post by ‘Griefcast’ hosted by Cariad Lloyd.

Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said: “I was delighted to invite James, Carey, Jordan and Phoebe to the council offices at Plough Lane and present them with a certificate in recognition of their contribution towards this important podcast series.