Our Founder's Story
Our story is quite unique and has been the catalyst for us to co-found Belonging Base.
If you’d like to hear more about that unique story, check this out – ‘WHAT A TRANSGENDER LOVE STORY TEACHES US ABOUT INCLUSIVE CULTURES’
Before you do, I think it's only fair to issue a TRIGGER WARNING, as we do cover the subject of suicide.
Thanks to Leanne and Al Elliott the co-hosts of the Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture Podcast for inviting us and making it such a great experience for us.
Belonging Bite-sized - The TRANSGENDER ones
Episode 1
WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THIS?
In this episode we set the scene and share a little about why this subject is so important to us.
Episode 2
BEING TRANSGENDER AND MENTAL HEALTH
In this episode we explore the effects of being Transgender can have on the state of your mental health. You many be surprised.....
Episode 3
ASPECTS OF THE TRANSITION
In this episode we explore other aspects of the transition including gender affirming care.
Episode 4
TRANSGENDER INCLUSIVE LANAGUAGE
In this episode we demystify some points and simplify the subject.
Episode 5
IMPACT ON FAMILIES
In this episode we look what impact coming out as transgender can have on families
Episode 6
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR BUSINESSES - PART 1
In this episode we start to look at what businesses can do to support their transgender employees.
Episode 7
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR BUSINESSES - PART 2
In this episode we finish looking at what businesses can do to support their transgender employees.
Belonging Bite-sized - The I & B ones
Episode 1 - What's It All About?
Welcome to Belonging Bite-sized hosted by Danielle and Sophie Wood.
These are short video chats discussing all aspects of Inclusion and Belonging, you'll find a total of 7 to celebrate National Inclusion Week - 23rd - 29th September 2024.
Episode 1 is setting the scene for the series and exploring what Inclusion and Belonging are in practical terms.
Episode 2 - The Personal Impact
This episode is all about how inclusion or lack thereof can make a difference to you.
We want to challenge you to reflect on your own life:
· Where do you feel most included and like you belong?
· Where do you feel excluded?
Episode 3 - Why Inclusive Workplace Culture Matters
This episode looks at why inclusive workplace cultures matter for those of you that are still asking yourself is it all a bit 'Fluffy or Financially Sound?'
Today our question to you is ‘How do you make others feel included?’
Episode 4 - The Role Of Leaders And Managers
Leaders Need To Walk The Talk – Let’s Break That Down.
Today our questions to you are ·
- Are you creating space for all voices?
- Are you challenging biases when they arise?
Episode 5 - Why Isn't Every Workplace Culture Inclusive?
Inclusive Culture – How Would You Score Yours On A Scale Of 1-10?
Today our questions to you are:-
- What have you done to raise your managers self-awareness around their impact on others?
- What have you done to empower your managers to build that inclusive culture you aspire to?
Episode 6 - Why Isn't Every Workplace Culture Inclusive?
Are You Missing Parts Of The Puzzle?
Today ask yourself this:-
- Do I really know what’s going on with the people in my team?
It’s all about human connections, make them matter!
Episode 7 - What Can I Do Today?
Don’t just sit there – do something!
Thanks for joining us this week as we’ve explored the topic of Inclusion and Belonging as part of National Inclusion Week.
Today we’re challenging you to take action. We’ve said small steps lead to big changes.
So, what will you do today?
Belonging Bite-sized - The LGBTQIA+ Ones
Episode 1 - Let's Introduce Ourselves
Welcome to Belonging Bite-sized hosted by Danielle and Sophie Wood.
These are short video chats discussing all aspects of 'belonging'. You can see the full series as they drop on our YouTube Channel @belongingbase Kicking off in June 2024 with a month of 🏳️🌈 PRIDE 🏳️🌈 themed content.
Episode 2 - Why Belonging?
Taking a deeper dive into what belonging, what is it and why is it so important.
Episode 3 - LGBTQIA+ Labels
We're taking a whistlestop journey around gender identity, sex assigned at birth, gender expression, sexual orientation and romantic orientation.
Episode 4 - LGBTQIA+ Language
We're taking a whistlestop journey around pronouns and more inclusive gender neutral language
Episode 5 - Code-switching
Code-switching is on the menu today.
Many of us do it and it can be ehausting and take it's toll on our mental health, but what is it? Tune in to find out.
Episode 6 - Coming Out
Coming Out is one of the pivotal moments in the life of someone from the LGBTQIA+ community. Find out more here.
Episode 7 - Coming Out - What Happens Next
Coming Out is just the beginning of a whole new chapter and can be the most challenging for some. Find out more here.
Episode 8 - LGBTQIA+ Mental Health
Mental Health struggles both before and after coming out are more about societal stigma than the fact someone is LGBTQIA+. Find out more here.
Episode 9 - Allyship
Allyship - it's really simple and what's more anyone can do it - How? Check this one out to find out.
Episode 10 - Being Transgender - Misconceptions and Myths - Part 1
There's a lot of misinformation out there about being transgender so we're exploring what that is and clearing some of the misconceptions and myths up.
Episode 11 - Being Transgender - Misconceptions and Myths - Part 2
There's a lot of misinformation out there about being transgender so we're exploring what that is and clearing some of the misconceptions and myths up.
Episode 12 - PRIDE Month - It's a Wrap!
Well, it's been a ride of technical hitches, learning, enlightenment, myth-busting but above all fun. We hope that everyone that has watched our PRIDE month series of Belonging Bite-sized has taken something away with them.
Watch this space for what comes next..........
Our Voice - Podcasts and more.....
Sophie and Danielle talk to Garry Clarke-Strange of Think Inclusion Consulting
Sharing our personal journeys of love, identity, and the challenges faced during Sophie's transition from male to female. We discuss the complexities of coming out, the impact on mental health, and the importance of support systems. The conversation highlights the evolution of trans awareness and the ongoing struggles within the community, emphasising the need for understanding and acceptance.
Sophie and Danielle talk to Heidi Lofthus of HR Connect Malta and NEXT.io
The conversation is all around 'Why Does Belonging Matter?'
We explore the importance of belonging to workplace culture and it's success for not just individuals but for the business as well.
'Bad administration almost cost me my life' - The Point in Leadership Podcast Snippet. Part 1 of 3
What does workplace exclusion feel like? What does it look like? And what can we actually do about it? Dip into our conversation with Belonging & Inclusion expert, Sophie Wood, as she narrates her personal journey of coming out, navigating her transgender experience, and promoting mental health awareness in the workplace.
How Culture Defines Your Company - The Point in Leadership Podcast Snippet. Part 2 of 3
"Your culture is defined by your worst tolerated behaviour"
Forget company policy and your value decals on the wall (which may or may not be peeling off, anyway). Instead, turn to the LIVED EXPERIENCE of your people.
⏺ How do they feel on their way to work every morning?
⏺ Equally, how do they feel when they leave?
⏺ How do they approach meetings or social gatherings? Dejected, introverted, uninterested?
⏺ And what do they do when they come across an issue, reach out or retreat?
How Should You Spend Your DEI Budget? - The Point in Leadership Podcast Snippet. Part 3 of 3
How SHOULD you spend your Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Budget?
Make the most out of your DEI departments and budgets with advice from one of our favourite Inclusion & Belonging experts, Sophie Wood!
We recognise that many companies still aren't making the most out of their DEI departments. Avoid window dressing and spend your budget right! Put your people first and they will return the favour.
Trinity Shaw - Level Up with WONDR
Trinity Shaw and Sophie Wood talking about the trans -experience.
Learn about her journey as a trans woman and her mission for inclusivity in the workplace. From the UK Police to global Diversity & Inclusion in online gambling, her story is one of resilience and advocacy.
Tune in for inspiring insights!
'Ripe for collaboration' Sophie Wood talks Diversity and Inclusion in the Betting & Gaming industry
Betting on Sports Europe is the foremost conference for senior executives from European sports betting operators. Sophie spoke with passion, after a standing ovation for her panel talk in London, about why Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging is ripe for collaboration in the industry.
Diversity, Metaverse and Ethics in the Gaming Industry - Sophie Wood - SBC Leaders Podcast
Sophie sat down with SBC Managing Director - Andrew McCarron for a chat on Sophie's career history, her work, observations and thoughts about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in the corporate world of work and how now more than ever it is what will set employers apart.
Creating a Trans-inclusive workplace
65% of transgender people still hide their identity at work.
Using real testimonies from transgender contributors, this video featuring Sophie Wood, explores what we can all do to make workplaces more trans-inclusive.
Belonging Bite-sized - the Mental Health ones
▶️Bite number 1 - why are we talking about it?
This episode is an introduction to this new series of 12 new videos all about MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS:
✅ Danielle and Sophie Wood and why we are both so passionate about Mental Health
✅ An overview of what to expect from this series of Belonging Bite-sized.
▶️bite number 2 - what is mental health?
This episode is:
✅ Definition and components of mental health.
✅ Differences between mental health and mental illness.
✅ The importance of mental health for overall well-being.
✅ The role of workplaces in supporting mental health.
▶️bite number 3 - stigma and it's impact
This episode is:
✅ What stigma is and how it affects individuals.
✅ Common myths and misconceptions about mental health.
✅ Reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health.
▶️ Bite No 4 - Recognising the Signs and Symptoms
This episode is:
✅ Common signs and symptoms of mental health issues
✅ Recognising changes in behaviour and performance
✅ The importance of early identification and intervention
▶️ Bite No 5 - Building a Mental Health friendly workplace
This episode is:
✅ Elements of a supportive workplace culture.
✅ Policies and practices that promote mental health.
✅ The role of leadership in fostering a supportive environment.
✅ Examples of mental health-friendly initiatives.
▶️ Bite No 6 -Effective Communication Strategies
This episode is:
✅ How to approach conversations about mental health.
✅ Active listening skills.
✅ Language to use and avoid when discussing mental health.
✅ How to support someone who opens up about their mental health.
▶️ Bite 7 - Access to Mental Health resources
This episode is:
✅ Overview of available mental health resources.
✅ How to promote and provide access to these resources.
✅ The role of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
✅ Encouraging the use of mental health resources without stigma.
▶️ Bite No 8 - Benefits of Mental Health Training
This episode is:
✅ Benefits of mental health training for employees and managers.
✅ Types of training programs available.
✅ How to implement and sustain training initiatives.
✅ Success stories from organisations with effective training programs.
▶️ Bite No 9 - Managing and Reducing Workplace Stress
This episode is:
✅ Common sources of workplace stress.
✅ Techniques for managing stress.
✅ Organisational strategies to reduce stress.
✅ Promoting work-life balance.
▶️ Bite No 10 - Responding to Mental Health Crises
This episode is:
✅ Identifying a mental health crisis.
✅ Steps to take during a crisis situation.
✅ How to provide immediate support and reassurance.
✅ Post-crisis support and follow-up.
▶️ Bite No 11 - Sustaining Long-Term Wellbeing
This episode is:
✅ Strategies for long-term mental health promotion.
✅ Integrating mental health into overall wellness programs.
✅ Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of mental health initiatives.
✅ Creating a culture of continuous improvement.
▶️ Bite No 12 - Recap and Looking Forward
This episode is:
✅ Recap of key points from each session.
✅ Encouraging ongoing dialogue and action.
✅ Final thoughts from the Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
✅ Call to action for viewers to continue supporting mental health in their workplaces.