Welcome to 'This Is The North' Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this revealing episode, Alison explores how a pioneering Newcastle-based initiative is transforming healthcare by looking beyond traditional medicine to address the social factors that truly determine our wellbeing, with two remarkable guests:

• Dr. Brigid Joughin, GP and former trustee of Ways to Wellness
• Steffen Laukard, Lead for the Persistent Physical Symptoms project at Ways to Wellness

The conversation examines Ways to Wellness' innovative approach to health that addresses the "wider determinants" – housing, social connections, employment, and joy – and how these factors often have greater impact on health outcomes than medication alone. Through social prescribing, this groundbreaking organisation is demonstrating that listening, acknowledging grief, and creating space for joy can transform lives while potentially reducing pressure on the NHS.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to The North Podcast

01:03 Understanding Ways to Wellness

02:04 The Role of Social Prescribers

02:51 Challenges in General Practice

07:09 Persistent Physical Symptoms Project

11:21 Impact and Feedback from Patients

18:27 Reducing NHS Costs and Hospital Admissions

20:00 Managing a Bespoke Service

22:56 Future of Ways to Wellness

24:55 Mental Health and Diagnostic Labels

32:23 Sustaining the Project

34:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

Throughout the discussion, Steffen shares his powerful "orange box" metaphor that illustrates how chronic pain gradually contracts life's joys until sometimes only pain remains. Ways to Wellness aims to expand that box again, creating space for patients to rediscover meaning while acknowledging their conditions.

As Dr. Joughin notes, "We're not a sausage factory, we're individuals" – challenging the NHS tendency toward economies of scale that often fail in healthcare delivery. The conversation concludes with reflections on sustainability and an invitation to innovators with ideas addressing social determinants of health.

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Host: Alison Dunn

Guests: Dr. Brigid Joughin, Steffen Laukard

This podcast is produced by Purpose Made, empowering change through intentional leadership and shared knowledge.

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