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In this episode of the Health Equity Podcast, Tracey O’Neill speaks with Dr Ceryl Teleri Davies, social worker, academic and Research Wales Advanced Fellow at Bangor University.

Drawing on her doctoral research with young people in North Wales, Dr Davies explores how harmful gendered social norms shape attitudes towards relationships, masculinity and femininity. The conversation examines how abuse can sit on a continuum, from minimised behaviours and online harassment to coercive control and violence, and how normalisation allows that continuum to persist.

They discuss why violence against women and girls must be understood as a public health issue, not a private matter, and why prevention requires a whole community approach. This includes schools, families, practitioners, policymakers and crucially the inclusion of boys and young men as part of meaningful change.

The episode also introduces Dr Davies’ current international research on enhancing cervical screening care for women living with the impacts of sexual violence and abuse, including work across the UK, Sweden and Australia. The focus is on developing and evaluating compassionate, trauma informed models of care shaped by women’s lived experience.

This is a rigorous and honest discussion about power, control, prevention and what real systems change requires.

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In this conversation, Lorelei talks to Nia Thomas, Head of Culture Development from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, about what it really takes to build a healthy workplace culture in healthcare – one where staff feel safe, supported and empowered. Drawing on her extensive experience in organisational culture, Nia explores how culture is shaped by everyone, not just leadership, and why psychological safety is such a vital foundation for effective teams. She shares honest reflections on the challenges staff face at every level and highlights the importance of compassionate communication, modelling positive behaviours and creating environments where people feel able to speak up.

Nia shares how small, everyday interactions, reflective practice and curiosity can gradually shift culture in meaningful ways, and why strong relationships and trust are essential in complex health systems. The episode is grounded, practical and full of insight for anyone working to improve wellbeing, teamwork and equity in healthcare. This episode is a must-listen for managers, leaders, health educators and frontline professionals committed to building healthier, safer and more compassionate workplaces.

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In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at something most of us slip into without meaning to - spending workdays sitting still. Imogen is joined by Anna Quinn, Wellbeing Officer at Bangor University, to talk about how this “desk-bound culture” crept in, what it’s doing to our energy and focus, and why moving more during the day doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

Together, we explore the small, realistic changes anyone can try — from walking meetings and standing tasks to using tech creatively and building short movement breaks back into busy schedules. We also discuss the personal side of movement: how our habits form, what gets in the way, and the surprising ways that tiny bits of activity can boost mood, concentration and overall wellbeing.

It’s a relaxed, practical conversation full of real-life examples, small wins and encouragement for anyone wanting to feel better at work — one simple movement at a time.

Additional Resources from Anna:

Active Workplace Champion Training | Bangor University

Reading list:

In Praise of Walking : The new science of how we walk and why it’s good for us: Shane O'Mara: 9781784707576: hive.co.uk

The book is also available in BU library for staff and students to borrow: https://library.bangor.ac.uk/permalink/44WHELF_BANG/6bc255/alma991005270698502422

Paper by ML Griffiths at Public Health Wales on changes to activity levels of home-workers during Covid:

(PDF) Exploring the health impacts and inequalities of the new way of working: findings from a cross-sectional study

Physical Literacy Across the Lifecourse by Margaret Whitehead – compulsory reading for anyone wanting to learn about Physical Literacy:

Physical Literacy: Throughout the Lifecourse - 1st Edition - Margaret

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