Episode 93: Elsa Arnold

This week on Borderline Podcast Disorder, I’m joined by the brilliant Elsa Arnold—a force of nature when it comes to youth activism and mental health advocacy. I’ve been following her work for a while now, and I’m genuinely buzzing to have her on the podcast.

Elsa started campaigning at just 14 and hasn’t stopped since. From working with YoungMinds, Mind, Samaritans, and The Diana Award to leading the Agents of Change programme with Flamingo Chicks (yes, she literally once walked from London to Bristol in a flamingo tutu), Elsa’s been putting in the real work—making sure disabled kids, young people, and those struggling with their mental health feel seen and heard.

She’s also the founder of Spreading Kindness Through E11, a grassroots project supporting vulnerable folks in her community, and she’s a trustee at FREEDOM2, helping teenage girls navigate life through creativity and connection.

On a personal level, Elsa’s honesty about living with BPD is powerful. She’s one of those people who speaks up, not for attention, but because she knows how much it can mean to someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.

If you’re into conversations that mix vulnerability, resilience, and activism, this is one for you.

Check out her work at elsaarnold.com and give her a follow on Instagram: @elsa_arnold.