Doggy Paddles and Sweet Ninjas

Doggy Paddles and Sweet Ninjas

Author: BBC Local Radio August 12, 2020 Duration: 25:22

Good news stories from across England, of people making a difference in uncertain times.

Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during these uncertain times, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.

This episode:

- London paramedic, Richard on how being deaf impacts his work, and how he's found new ways to help the NHS as he recovers from coronavirus - Musician Sal, explains how "ring and sing" has been helping patients with memory loss in Shropshire - Jonah the border collie goes on a seaside adventure on the Cornish coastline - much to the concern of his owner Wayne - Plus mother and daughter, Lorraine and Charlotte from Yorkshire share their "sweet ninja" alter-egos


In a world that often feels fragmented, Make a Difference offers a necessary counter-narrative, sharing surprising stories from communities across England who are pulling together. This BBC Local Radio podcast captures the unscripted moments of cooperation and resilience that define our times, moving beyond headlines to find the human connections being forged in neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Each episode is a journey into the personal journals of collective action, exploring how ordinary people are addressing challenges in society, culture, and even health and fitness, from grassroots mental health projects to local cultural initiatives that rebuild a sense of belonging. You'll hear directly from the individuals at the heart of these efforts, their voices preserved with the intimacy and authenticity of its original local radio broadcasts. Listening to this podcast feels like discovering a series of quiet, powerful revelations about the capacity for kindness and practical support that persists around us. It’s a collection of audio snapshots that together form a larger, hopeful portrait of England, reminding us that impact often starts with a simple conversation next door. These are not grand manifestos, but real stories of tangible change, curated to inspire and connect.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 57

The Make a Difference Show
Podcast Episodes
Lockdown Lines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:09
Becca Bryers guide you through a selection of poems from across England, inspired by the people who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.Over 750 000 stories of people offering help and support pouring…
Silly Walks and Football Talk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:54
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Tambourines and Trampolines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:54
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
Songwriting and Cake Baking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:12
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
Elvis and Trucker Takeaways [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:14
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic. This episode: a Bedfordshire couple who were forced to abandon plans to renew their…
Bubbles and Bikes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:36
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic. This episode: an emotional dedication to a much loved mum in Merseyside, and praise…
Lambs and Keepy-Uppies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:49
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic. This episode: the 10-year-old from Cambridgeshire aiming to complete over 7 million…
Storytime and Veg Box Fantasies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:22
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more via bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
Supporters and Survivors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:49
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during the coronavirus pandemic, drawn from BBC Local Radio.This episode: two stories from one Birmingham hospital - the n…
Glass Hearts and Town Criers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:51
Stories of people across England making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.